Cape Fear Christian Academy appeared to pick up where the 2022 NCISAA 1-A softball champions left off in a 10-0 scrimmage victory over visiting Fayetteville Christian on Thursday.

Eagles coach Sterling Holmes credited the pitching of Glenna McLamb, Rhyleigh Horne and Kristina Kennedy in the shutout.

CFCA opens its softball season on Friday, March 3, at 6:30 p.m. against Union Grove in the Patriot Invitational at Faith Christian in Rocky Mount.

White returns

Andrew White, who coached CFCA’s varsity baseball team last year, made a successful return on Thursday with Fayetteville Christian.

A 5-run sixth inning lifted the Warriors to a 7-2 win in the season opener.

Trevor McLamb, Cole Godwin, Fisher Stancil and Conner Parrish each went 1-for-3 for CFCA. Zeke Brock scored a run and had an RBI as well as two stolen bases.

Fayetteville Christian pitchers Eli Guinn and Kris Willis combined for 13 strikeouts. Malin Tinnin and Jackson Van Wormer each drove in two runs for the visitors.

CFCA returns to action on March 7 in its Mid-Carolina 1-A Conference opener at Lee Christian.

Varsity Girls Soccer

After a scoreless first half, host Fayetteville Christian emerged with a 2-0 win. The outcome was a significant improvement over a 9-2 loss on the Warriors’ pitch to start the 2022 season for the Eagles.

“Coming into the match, I tried to set realistic goals for the team: communicate, hold positions, string together passes, and limit the opponent’s opportunities to attack,” said CFCA coach Michael Breslin. “Fayetteville Christian is a very well-coached team that always controls the flow of the game. With only one week of practice under our belt, the Lady Eagles surpassed all of my goals.

“We have a very young team, with only 13 players, five of whom are in eighth grade. In the first half, we were able to control the ball and played in the opponent’s half of the field much of the time. We communicated well and built up good attacks. One of the things we worked on at practices this week was looking for teammates to pass to rather than just kicking the ball away. Especially in the midfield, we were able to win the ball and find teammates to pass to. Considering how few practices we’ve had, this was some pretty good soccer. We went into the half tied 0-0.

“About seven minutes into the second half, Fayetteville Christian scored on a looping ball that went over our goalkeeper. They scored a second time a few minutes later on a very nice shot that would have been difficult for anyone to save. Even down 2-0, the team never gave up and I never felt like we were out of the match. We had a few opportunities to score but were unable to finish. I am excited about the team we have this season and am confident we will continue to put all the pieces together as we continue to work.”

CFCA visits Lee Christian on March 7.

Middle School Girls Soccer

CFCA won its opener on penalty kicks in the first game of a doubleheader at Fayetteville Christian as Gwynn Young had four goals plus a PK.

Sloane Young, Harper Shook and Charlotte Aldredge also converted penalty kicks.

Christianna Wynns had two assists. Shook and Gwynn Young had one assist each.

Lily Gotlibowski had 11 saves for CFCA including stops on a pair of PKs.

CFCA visits Lee Christian on March 7.

Middle School Baseball

CFCA started its season on Wednesday with a 12-1 win at Fayetteville Christian.

London Hinson had six strikeouts on the mound and a triple at the plate.

Tyson Stephens had an inside-the-park home run.

The Eagles had six runs on eight hits in the fourth inning.

CFCA plays at Lee Christian on March 7.