Duo of seniors set to lead Delmarva Christian softball in 2025

Two-thirds of Delmarva Christian softball’s schedule is against teams in the ultra-competitive Henlopen Conference. They will open a three-game week Tuesday, March 25, by hosting Caesar Rodney.

“If we hang tight with any of these teams on our schedule, it can show smaller schools can play softball,” said senior Bella Marinelli. “We can put ourselves on the map and generate a perspective on smaller schools to not take them lightly.”

With substantial losses due to graduation and new coach and Cape-alum Chrissy Dunn at the helm, the girls have some work to do to be the team they believe they can be.

“It's just been really nice to see how everybody has connected, but also, we've been pushing each other to get better to work hard,” Marinelli said. “Especially with having a new coaching staff this year.”

Dunn will rely on Marinelli and her classmate Taylor Lowe for leadership. Both have played in big games at the varsity, Little League and travel ball levels.

“They help lead the practices; they're out here every day,” Dunn said. “They're helping the underclassmen.”

Despite the youth, expectations remain high for the Royals.

“We are a very young team, but we are expecting to be competitive in every game that we go out in,” Dunn said. 

Dunn believes the strength of the team will be defense, which will feature Marinelli at shortstop and Lowe in the circle.

Lowe, the likely starting pitcher, has faith in the girls behind her and the ones commanding the backstop.

“We lost a lot of starters last year, but we still have a good depth team with a lot of potential,” Lowe said. “If we just keep working hard at practice, we'll be good this year.”

As a four-year starter for the Royals, Lowe thinks her experience will come in handy as she tries to help lead the younger girls.

Delmarva Christian’s first game, home against Caesar Rodney, will start at 4 p.m., March 25.