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Sussex Tech softball knew coming into its season it would be strong up the middle thanks to a bevy of returning All-State talent.
Tuesday afternoon when the undefeated Lady Ravens knocked off then unbeaten Sussex Central 3-2 in nine innings, having that level of players paid off when senior Kelsey Doherty not only made a possibly game-saving grab in the field in the bottom of the eighth but also knocked in the game-winning run in the top half of the ninth frame.
“That was the play of the game,” Central head coach John Wells said of Doherty’s grab. “She’s an All-State player, it’s what she’s supposed to do.”
Doherty’s own head coach, John Marvel, was equally impressed with his senior’s efforts on the diamond.
“She’s been a very good player for us,” Marvel said. “Kelsey’s one of the girls we want to have in those situations, because you know she will deliver.”
Following the win, Doherty took the time to answer a few questions for the Sussex Countian.
Q With a runner on second and two outs, when that ball was hit and you had to go to your right to make the play, what was on your mind?
A Truthfully it all happened so fast that nothing was going through my mind. I really didn’t think I was going to get to it though, but if I didn’t, the run was probably going to score and the game was going to be over. I’m glad I was able to make the play.
Q Bases loaded, no outs and top of the ninth inning against Sussex Central, what is your approach at the plate?
A Right there I am just trying to get the run home and give us a chance to win. [Central pitcher Kristen Cooper] had walked me a few times but I knew she wouldn’t be able to walk me there, so I waited for my pitch.
Q The last few seasons, Tech/Central hasn’t meant quite as much as it did before, is that big time feel back now?
A Oh yeah, I think both teams are very good, we haven’t lost yet and they’ve only lost once. Anytime we play them it’s a game everybody is up for, they are a rival, but this one felt a little bigger.
Q Do you think you’ll see them again?
A There’s definitely a chance, because we both have good teams. You never know in softball though, especially in the tournament.
Q How big is this win for you and your teammates?
A It’s a big win because they were the only other undefeated team in the conference, I think, but it’s still just one game. We have to focus on who we play next and use this win for a boost in confidence.
Sussex Tech softball knew coming into its season it would be strong up the middle thanks to a bevy of returning All-State talent.
Tuesday afternoon when the undefeated Lady Ravens knocked off then unbeaten Sussex Central 3-2 in nine innings, having that level of players paid off when senior Kelsey Doherty not only made a possibly game-saving grab in the field in the bottom of the eighth but also knocked in the game-winning run in the top half of the ninth frame.
“That was the play of the game,” Central head coach John Wells said of Doherty’s grab. “She’s an All-State player, it’s what she’s supposed to do.”
Doherty’s own head coach, John Marvel, was equally impressed with his senior’s efforts on the diamond.
“She’s been a very good player for us,” Marvel said. “Kelsey’s one of the girls we want to have in those situations, because you know she will deliver.”
Following the win, Doherty took the time to answer a few questions for the Sussex Countian.
Q With a runner on second and two outs, when that ball was hit and you had to go to your right to make the play, what was on your mind?
A Truthfully it all happened so fast that nothing was going through my mind. I really didn’t think I was going to get to it though, but if I didn’t, the run was probably going to score and the game was going to be over. I’m glad I was able to make the play.
Q Bases loaded, no outs and top of the ninth inning against Sussex Central, what is your approach at the plate?
A Right there I am just trying to get the run home and give us a chance to win. [Central pitcher Kristen Cooper] had walked me a few times but I knew she wouldn’t be able to walk me there, so I waited for my pitch.
Q The last few seasons, Tech/Central hasn’t meant quite as much as it did before, is that big time feel back now?
A Oh yeah, I think both teams are very good, we haven’t lost yet and they’ve only lost once. Anytime we play them it’s a game everybody is up for, they are a rival, but this one felt a little bigger.
Q Do you think you’ll see them again?
A There’s definitely a chance, because we both have good teams. You never know in softball though, especially in the tournament.
Q How big is this win for you and your teammates?
A It’s a big win because they were the only other undefeated team in the conference, I think, but it’s still just one game. We have to focus on who we play next and use this win for a boost in confidence.
