Cambridge Varsity Softball Moves to Elite 8 On Key Shutout Victory over Alexander

Posted: Oct 24, 2014

Below are the recaps from this exciting series:

Cambridge vs. Alexander Fri. October 23 Final Game #3 (CHS Wins, 3-0)

It was do or die for the Lady Bears as the team began the must-win game against Alexander to try to take the best of 3 series.

The Bears started out strong in the top of the 2nd inning as Abigail Wilson singled and advanced to 2nd on a beautiful bunt by Savannah Dixon. Mariah Kubik followed that up and hit a beauty out to left, allowing Abigail to score. The Bears were on the board after 2 innings, 1-0.

The defense was unstoppable with huge plays made by just about every player on the field. The game remained at 1-0 until the top of the 5th. Taylor Greene got on base with a walk, Lily Valeo hit a single, and Keara Napoli hit a great line drive to bring in Taylor and Lily, as the team went up, 3-0. Once again, the Bears held off the Cougars with solid defense, while pitcher Keara Napoli allowed only 4 hits.

Coach Chip Flemmer says it took a great effort from the Lady Bears to beat Alexander and advance to the Elite 8. "Keara Napoli was hyper-focused from the start and came out and pitched a great game to lead the team to the 3-0 win. I am very proud of what this team has accomplished. These girls stick together, regardless of the score, and it's great to see the success they are having and the way they are representing our school. The team is 24-3, and however this story plays out, these girls have had a tremendous season and should be very proud!"

Cambridge Athletic Director Matt Lawless says he could not be more proud of the softball program and is looking forward to cheering on the team at its first ever GHSA state tournament appearance next week. "If there is one thing I have learned about watching this team all season long, it's that you can never count them out of any game. This should be a fun and exciting experience for all of our softball players, parents, and fans."

After battling through these last 3, tough games, the Bears will head to the Elite 8 State Championship next week in Columbus, GA.

The Bears will face Harris County on Thursday, October 30th, at 4:30 p.m. in the South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus, GA.

Location: South Commons Sports Complex
400 4th Street
Columbus, GA 31901

Come out and pull for the Bears!!

Cambridge vs. Alexander Thurs, October 22 Game #2 (Alexander Wins, 5-2)

The Lady Bears took a tough loss, the first in 18 games and not since August 27th.

The matchup began as Taylor Greene doubled, followed by a single from Keara Napoli... Taylor scored to put the Bears up 1-0. The Cougars were able to get their bats going in the bottom of the 3rd and produced 5 solid hits, including a home run, and put them ahead, 4-1.

Moving to the 5th inning, the Cougars scored another run, making it, 5-1. The Bears would not give up and managed to get the bases loaded in the 6th inning.

Hits came from Lily Valeo, Lauren Stewart, and Keara Napoli with an RBI, to make it 5-2 in favor of the Cougars. That is the way the game ended, as the best of 3 series would continue the following night, Oct. 23rd.

Cambridge vs. Alexander Thurs, October 22 Game #1 (CHS Wins, 3-2)

The Bears competed at home in the first round of the state playoffs against the Alexander Cougars.

In the 1st inning, the Cougars got on the board with 1 run, but the Bears answered right back with a walk from Lauren Stewart, followed by a RBI from Keara Napoli. The score was tied, 1-1.

The game would stay tied until the 6th inning when Lauren Stewart, Taylor Greene, Lily Valeo, and Keara Napoli would each get hits, making the game, 3-1. The Cougars fought back in the 7th inning, got on with a walk and a hit and managed to score once. The Bears decided to shut it down from there, and with a strike out and 2, solid defensive plays, the game ended with a 3-2 victory for Cambridge.