CFNN Reporter Lex Glemaker 

With Christmas break coming it means spring sports are right around the corner. Your Lady Colts softball is one of the many teams excited for the spring season. After a very successful 2021-2022 season, with Kylie Holt being the 3A state player of the year for the east and Lex Glemaker being the 3A state pitcher of the year for the east, The Colts are very excited for another chance at a state title this year. 

Last year they proved themselves among a lot of doubts. After the 2020-2021 season, where they finished second in conference and won the conference tournament yet still being robbed of a chance at playoffs, they came out ready to show everyone what they could do. They showcased their skills in the 14 inning game against Purnell Swett winning 4-3. 

They finished second in conference last year but went the furthest in playoffs, coming within one game away from the 3A state championship. The Colts didn’t go down without a fight.

Their 3rd round game against Richlands tested their perseverance going into extra innings winning, 1-0. Both pitchers going back and forth and retiring batter after batter. The game came down to who played the cleanest, Cape Fear made 0 errors and Richlands had 4. The winning hit was hit by Kailee Meredith with Sabria Hanson once again being on 3rd with 2 outs. 

“I don’t need a big hit; I just need to score my runners,” is what Kailee Meredith was thinking at that moment.         

She hit a pop up to right field and after hitting a glove then hitting the grass, Sabria Hanson crossed home plate to win the game for the Colts in the bottom of the 8th.

The Colts hosted the first 4 rounds of their playoff games at home. Their first away game was against Eastern Alamance for the Eastern Championship. The Colts fought hard but ultimately the win wasn’t in their cards that night. They came up short 1-0 against Kenna Raye Dark and Makiya Graves. 

The Colts didn’t stop fighting for a spot in the state championship and to prove themselves to other teams in their conference. The next game Eastern Alamance came to Cape Fear and the Colts came out victorious. At the bottom of the 6th, Noni Mcfadden drew a walk and was replaced with courtesy runner Sabria Hanson. From there, Kailee Meredith moved Sabria to 3rd and that was where Alamance started to sweat. 

Olivia Melvin came up with 2 outs runner on 3rd and a tied game. She was faced with nerves and a pitcher who was determined to get her out. Melvin won that battle, hitting a shot to the fence and scoring Sabria. That won the game 1-0 after one more time on defense.

The Colts forced the 3rd game because of their determination. Although they didn’t win the 3rd game, they showed everyone who doubted them that they would always fight, and weren’t to be counted out.

The Colts go into this season hopeful and with a positive attitude.

“I want a ring this year,” Kailee Meredith said with full confidence. 

Seniors Kailee Meredith, Noni McFadden, and Lex Glemaker have all played and started on varsity since freshman year. They have the experience to help lead the team to success.

The rest of the team is excited for the season as well. The team this year may be younger but they’re not ones to be counted out. They have a strong group of girls who plan to have an even more successful season than the last. Their first scrimmages for the season are February 18th at Cape Fear and their first home game for the season is March 10th against Purnell Swett. Come out and support your Lady Colts as they take the field for a new season!