The Polytech Panthers will venture away from home to take on the Caravel Academy Buccaneers at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Polytech is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Delaware's top teams: Smyrna, who was ranked fifth at the time (Polytech was ranked sixth). The Panthers blew past the Eagles 19-13 on Thursday. The victory was nothing new for the Panthers as they're now sitting on three straight.
Kha'Lyn Tilghman
| 04/09/26 @ Smyrna | 4 |
| 04/15/25 vs Seaford | 3 |
| 03/31/25 vs Early College | 3 |
| 03/31/26 @ Caesar Rodney | 1 |
| 04/10/25 vs Caesar Rodney | 1 |
Emma Shelton and Kha'Lyn Tilghman did most of the damage at the plate: Shelton fired off two home runs, four runs, and five RBI while going 4-for-6, while Tilghman went a perfect 6-for-6 with one home run, four runs, and two stolen bases. Those four runs gave Tilghman a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Gabrielle Bogdon, who went 3-for-6 with one home run and five RBI.
Polytech always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .577. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Caravel Academy got the win against Red Lion Christian Academy on Thursday by a conclusive 8-1. The win continues a trend for the Buccaneers in their matchups with the Lions: they've now won six in a row.
Kaley Arrowsmith spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned run on five hits and racked up 17 Ks. Those 17 strikeouts set a new season-high mark for her.
At the plate, Abby Russell was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. That home run was her first of the season. Leah Richardson was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs.
Caravel Academy's victory bumped their record up to 8-1. As for Polytech, their win bumped their record up to 6-2.
Saturday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Polytech hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .378. However, it's not like Caravel Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .365. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Polytech suffered a grim 10-1 defeat to Caravel Academy when the teams last played back in May of 2023. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
