GLASGOW, Del. -- The Caravel Academy Buccaneer Softball team proved they are the back-to-back defending champions for a reason - handing the Laurel Bulldogs a convincing 13-4 victory in the DIAA State Semifinals to earn another appearance in the state title game.
The Bulldogs hung around for a while, entering the bottom of the sixth down just 7-4 in a tough road environment. However, Caravel felt that that was too close for their liking, as they put up a six-spot in the frame, with two big blasts from Zayda Rocke (solo shot) and Morgan Maxwell (grand slam) being the bulk of the damage.
Early on, both squads took their turns being productive at the plate. Laurel jumped out in the first inning with two runs, which was then followed by two runs by Caravel in their first ups.
They continued this trend in the second inning, as the Bulldogs took a 3-2 lead on a Bailey Ullman RBI double. Then, the Bucs answered yet again with two runs to take their first lead of the ballgame.
The third inning was where Caravel really took over, as Rocke sparked a three-run frame by sending her first home run of the game well over the center field wall. From there, Maxwell settled in on the bump in relief to hold the Laurel bats at bay en route to the nine-run victory.
The Bucanners will now have a few days to prepare before going for yet another state title - with the big matchup being played this Saturday at the University of Delaware at 2:00.
For Laurel, although they fall just short of a state title appearance, it remains another great year, as this marks their third consecutive season with a DIAA final four appearance. They finish the 2023 campaign with a record of 13-5.
