In order for the Cape Coral High softball team to make strides this season, after suffering through a 6-12 record last year, first-year coach Dwayne Cornelius knew the team needed to be more sound defensively and on the mound.

The Seahawks are beginning to put those phases of the game together.

Last week, the Seahawks (6-8) got a lift from sophomore Shannon McBride. She filled in for the team’s usual starter, freshman Brenna Harkins, and supplied solid pitching in three wins.

The Daily Breeze Female Athlete of the Week picked up her first win against Cypress Lake, striking out four in a five-inning win. She scattered seven hits and struck out two in a win over Lehigh, and allowed two hits in a victory over East Lee County.

“Shannon had to step up and take over the pitching, and she did a great job,” Cornelius said. “She’s putting it where people can hit it and we’re fielding it.”

In each win last week, McBride was backed by outstanding defense and run support. More positive signs for the Seahawks as they progress with a starting lineup consisting of five freshmen, three sophomores and one junior.

Cornelius said the team anticipated a rebuilding project this season and wanted to be in a position to compete.

Perhaps, the most telling result was a 2-1 loss to Barron Collier on March 6, one of the stronger teams in the district.

McBride is one of several players who have improved with experience. She displayed her versatility moving from shortstop to pitcher, after Harkins suffered a broken finger.

“It was pretty scary,” McBride said of moving to the mound. “I was so used to Brenna always taking care of things, keeping us in games. When they put me in, it was kind of overwhelming.”

The defense has made the plays behind her.

“We have a good defense now,” she said. “We’re saving runs by not making the errors we were making before.”



Honorable Mentions



Brittany Wadsworth, Mariner tennis: Wadsworth defeated Ida Baker’s Amanda Teets 6-4, 6-2 last Tuesday and teamed up with sister Adrienne Wadsworth to win in doubles.



Jessica Gregorie, Ida Baker softball: Gregorie pitched a complete game with seven strikeouts and delivered a clutch two-run single in the seventh to lead Baker past Riverdale last Monday.