VIDEO, PHOTOS: Top of lineup leads Lower Cape May past Wildwood Catholic

Posted: April 21st 2026

Lower Cape May's Sophia Crecca throws to first base for an out after fielding a ground ball against Wildwood Catholic during Tuesday's high school softball game.

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

ERMA – The top of the Lower Cape May Regional High School softball team’s lineup was a superb catalyst for the team’s offense against rival Wildwood Catholic Tuesday afternoon.

Abby Pelicano and Bailey Leininger, the team’s respective first and second hitters in its batting order, combined for six hits and seven runs scored to fuel the Caper Tigers to an 11-1 win over the Crusaders.

Lower (5-2 overall and in the Cape-Atlantic United Conference) broke open a 1-1 tie with five runs in the third inning before adding three in the fourth. The team’s two runs in the fifth then ended the game on the 10-run mercy rule.

Pelicano went 3 for 3 with two doubles and four runs scored and Leininger was 3 for 4 with two RBI and three runs scored.

Raegan Notch was also a standout at the plate for Lower, going 2 for 3 with a two-run double and a run scored. Kailyn Tait added a double and E’leyna Koerner posted four RBI.

Finnley Arenberg allowed just two hits over five innings for the pitching win. 

Lilah Sawyer had both hits for Wildwood Catholic (2-5 overall and in CAL United).  

Wildwood Catholic's Sophia Lutz connects on a pitch in the first inning.

Lower Cape May's players and coaches gather for a quick team meeting after an inning.

Lower Cape May's Abby Pelicano connects on what turned out to be a lead-off double.

Wildwood Catholic's Lilah Sawyer awaits a throw with teammate Lacey Manna looks on as Lower Cape May's E'leyna Koerner runs into second base.

Finnley Arenberg of Lower Cape May allowed only two hits in her team's 11-1 win.

Lower Cape May's Bailey Leininger looks to throw the ball back into the infield.

Wildwood Catholic's Ali Stone delivers a pitch.

Wildwood Catholic's Ali Stone prepares to swing.

Lower Cape May's Bailey Leininger lays down a bunt single.

Wildwood Catholic's Yae Billiris makes a leaping catch in center field.