Mardela Softball and Stephen Decatur Baseball Set for State Championship Showdown
Two undefeated high school teams from Maryland’s Bayside South have secured spots in the upcoming state championship games, each aiming to etch a memorable chapter in their programs’ histories.
Mardela’s softball squad, riding a perfect season, dispatched South Carroll 11‑1 in the Class 1A semifinals. Ace pitcher Ava Twilley was dominant, limiting the opponent to a single run and hit while striking out eleven batters. She also contributed a two‑run double in the opening inning, sparking a rally that featured RBIs from Abby Campbell and Camryn Dorr, who each drove in runs and scored multiple times.
Meanwhile, Stephen Decatur’s baseball team edged Chesapeake 3‑2 in a tense Class 3A semifinal. Early runs came from Nate Hallman, Landon Daniel and Johnny Hobgood, who each brought in a run to stake the Seahawks to a 3‑0 lead. Starter Kyle Springle shut out Chesapeake through the first four innings, but the opponent rallied with two runs in the fifth. Hobgood closed the game in the sixth, sealing a victory that marks Decatur’s first ever state championship appearance.
Both teams will meet their respective championship opponents this weekend. Mardela looks to defend its title, having captured its first softball state crown in 45 years last season, while Decatur seeks its inaugural baseball championship.
Key Performances and Stats
Twilley’s 11 strikeouts and two‑run double highlighted a balanced offensive attack that also saw Lexie Guy reach base twice, walk twice and score two runs. For Decatur, Hobgood’s relief work and Springle’s early dominance were complemented by Hallman’s clutch hitting that drove in the first run.
The upcoming championship games promise a clash of undefeated spirit and seasoned talent, with fans across Maryland eager to see whether the softball team can repeat its historic run and whether the baseball squad can finally bring a title to the school.