Duke softball commit Kayla Fletcher
Central Dauphin and Wilson entered their highly anticipated matchup with a combined record of (18-2). The Rams and Bulldogs were the top two teams in the District 3-6A power rankings. Central Dauphin is the defending state champion. The Rams outlasted Nazareth 3-2 in eight innings last year to bring home the program's second PIAA title in thrilling fashion. Several key players have returned including Duke commit Kayla Fletcher and sophomore lefty Autumn Andreoli.
Wilson struck first on Friday thanks to a leadoff homer to left-center by St. Bonaventure commit Kaya Werley. Andreoli settled down after that and Central Dauphin rolled to a 11-1 win in six innings. "I couldn't be happier. That's a great team. They've got pitching, they've got hitting. We didn't let that home run get us down. We kept battling and I'm really proud of this team," Fletcher told SV Sports' Paul Roberts. Andreoli threw a four-hitter with seven strikeouts and just two walks. "She's gonna be something really special. We saw it last year in the playoffs. She got a big opportunity," noted Fletcher. The (8-1) Rams have outscored their last six opponents by a staggering margin of 79-to-2.
Central Dauphin tied it at 1-1 in the fourth on a RBI single to left by Rosie Reese. The Delaware State commit appeared in her second game since suffering a torn labrum. The Rams built a 5-1 cushion with four runs in the top of the fifth. Gabby Shirk hit a two-run single that deflected off sophomore pitcher Shannon Bratton. Shirk then scored on Abby Rheem's bunt. Reese followed with a sacrifice fly to deep center. Central Dauphin tacked on six runs in the sixth which began with back-to-back errors by the Bulldogs. Shirk and Brynn Barkley provided RBI singles and Reese ripped a three-run double down the left field line. She knocked in five runs on the afternoon. "She is really helping this team. I'm super happy with the way she's been playing," replied Fletcher. Reese, Shirk, Barkley, Fletcher, and sophomore outfielder Isabel Rodriquez finished with two hits apiece.
Fletcher has established school records with more than 150 career hits and 100 runs. Her brother, Wayne Fletcher II, is playing basketball at Navy. Kayla, who carries a 4.2 GPA, will continue her softball career at Duke. The Rams' standout shortstop will be in the outfield for the Blue Devils. "There's not a better school for me out there. Academically, top five school in the country. Athletically, they've got a top 15 team right now. I'm super excited for my future," said Fletcher.