CFNN REporters Addison Davis and Peyton Eason

Cape Fear put together a strong week, earning three conference victories behind consistent offense, solid pitching, and timely defense.

On Tuesday night, Cape Fear opened the week with a 6–2 win over Lumberton. The Colts wasted no time getting started, scoring two runs in the first inning and adding three more in the second to take an early 5–0 lead. Lumberton responded with two runs in the fourth, but Cape Fear remained in control and added an insurance run in the sixth to secure the win.

McKinley Kolasa and Addison Davis led the offensive effort. Kolasa went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a triple and two singles, while Davis finished 3-for-4 with three singles. Kolasa also delivered in the circle, striking out four batters without issuing a walk and allowing just four hits.

Defensively, Cape Fear was sharp, turning two double plays and recording 13 assists and 21 putouts. Despite two errors, the Colts limited Lumberton’s opportunities throughout the game.

Cape Fear carried that momentum into Wednesday night, defeating Jack Britt 7–2 for their second win over the Buccaneers this season. The Colts again started fast, scoring three runs in the first inning. After Jack Britt answered with two runs, Cape Fear responded with four more to put the game out of reach, with both teams going scoreless the rest of the way.

Junior second baseman Kloe Watts led the way offensively, reaching base in all three plate appearances with a hit and two walks for a perfect 1.000 on-base performance. Freshman Ashtyn Westbrook also contributed with a double and a walk.

“We came into the week focused on playing our game; getting ahead early, backing each other up, and finishing strong. Everyone contributed, and that’s what made the difference for us. Even when teams started to fight back, we didn’t panic. We stayed locked in, kept competing, and found ways to finish each game,” said Watts. 

Kolasa continued her dominant stretch in the circle, pitching all seven innings while allowing just two unearned runs. She struck out seven batters and did not walk any. The defense showed some inconsistency with two errors but held firm overall to limit scoring.

To close out the week, Cape Fear traveled to Purnell Swett on Friday and earned a hard-fought 6–4 victory. The Colts once again jumped out early, scoring four runs in the first inning, one in the second, and another in the fifth. Purnell Swett battled back with two runs in the third and two more in the fifth, but Cape Fear held on.

The Colts tallied 14 hits in the game, with sophomore third baseman Peyton Eason leading the way by going 3-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Chloe Bueing added a strong performance, finishing 2-for-3 with an RBI.

“Every single time I got in the box, I had in my head I was going to be aggressive, and as Coach Mack says, ‘have the want to.’ I wanted to score runs and not just get a hit,” said Eason. 

Kolasa capped off her impressive week with another complete-game effort, allowing four runs (two earned) on 11 hits while striking out six and walking one.

With three wins on the week, Cape Fear showcased a balanced attack, combining early offense, reliable pitching from Kolasa, and enough defensive plays to secure each victory.