SOFTBALL: Cougars Head to State Championship

The softball team will play in the state championship softball game on Friday at the University of Maryland, College Park.

The Cougars (20-5) enter the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association Class 4A State Championship game on a tear. Since losing back-to-back games in the Spalding Classic on April 7, Chesapeake has won 17 straight.

“It’s exciting,” said Chesapeake pitcher Crystal White. “I never thought that we would come this far and the team is just playing awesome.”

After defeating Glenelg in the District V championship game on May 9, Chesapeake received a first-round bye. The Cougars have performed well in the playoffs, even in some high-pressure situations.

They easily handled an overmatched North County team 12-6 in the second round. But things didn’t come as easily for Chesapeake in the regional semifinals against Glen Burnie.

The Cougars found themselves trailing for most of the game. A sixth inning comeback tied the game at 3-3 for the Cougars, who .

“Glen Burnie is an unbelievable ball club and we knew that coming in,” said Chesapeake coach Don Ellenberger after the regional semifinal game.

The Cougars faced another tough matchup in the region finals against Broadneck. After falling behind 1-0 in the first inning, Chesapeake came back to win 4-2 to advance to the state semifinals.

Despite the drama of the past games, the Cougars easily handled Prince George's County team C.H. Flowers on Tuesday night. White pitched a two-hitter and to send the Cougars to the state finals.

Chesapeake will play an undefeated Sherwood High School on Friday night, which should make for a challenging matchup.

“I’m just really looking forward to being there,” said Cougar outfielder Erin Van Dyke. “I really wanted to go to states my senior year and it would be awesome to win, but I think just being there is amazing.”

This will be Chesapeake’s first chance at a state title since they clinched back-to-back victories in 2007 and 2008, according to The Capital. Last year, the Cougars lost to Urbana 5-3 in the 4A state final.

Chesapeake will look for another standout pitching performance from their ace, White, on Friday night as they take on the 20-0 Sherwood High School.

“Crystal [White], we have been working on her defending that circle pretty good and [Tuesday] she did it,” said Ellenberger. “She is ready for a real good game on Friday.”

Stick with Patch for complete coverage of the Cougars state championship game.