CHESAPEAKE CITY – Bohemia Manor reached the state tournament for the first time since 2019 on Thursday, knocking off Perryville with an 11-3 victory in the 1A East Region Final.
The Eagles are the No. 7 seed in the Class 1A State Tournament and will visit No. 2 Mardela at 4 p.m. on Friday.
After Bo Manor took an early 2-0 advantage in the first inning on a two-run single from Addie Sample, the Eagles never relinquished their lead. Bo Manor head coach Brooks Malstrom explained just how sentimental winning a regional title is for his players.
“A lot of kids play this game and never get to experience reaching this point,” Malstrom said. “For us to be able to play in and win a regional title game is truly a special feeling and I’m glad we’re moving on.”
In addition to the Eagles’ offensive display that scored 11 runs, eight players in Bo’s lineup finished with a hit. Gwen Ayers went 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Sample, Alyssa Broderdorp and Kendal Leonardi each drove in two runs.
Bo Manor used three runs in the second, third and fourth innings to grow an 11-1 lead entering the top half of the fifth. Freshman starting pitcher Lyla Wescoat pitched a complete seven innings of play, recording six strikeouts and allowing just five hits.
“This is an amazing feeling for us and makes us believe that we are ready for greatness ahead,” Wescoat said. “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs this year so to cap it off as region champions is really special.”
With a 24-hour turnaround, Malstrom knows the focus that is required for his team’s task ahead. Mardela is one of three teams in 1A to enter the state playoffs with an undefeated record.
“We have to get ready to play again tomorrow,” Malstrom said. “But if we play like we did today and ride this momentum, we have the opportunity to go far.”
Josalyn Rebman, Emma Bowman and Bella Sapanaro each drove in a run for Perryville. The Panthers finished the season with an overall record of 9-11.
Perryville head coach Ryan Jackson explained how even though his team did not advance, the season serves as encouragement for the future. Jackson’s group only graduates one senior. The Panthers advanced to the region final off back-to-back wins, including a 1-0 victory over top-seed Colonel Richardson in the region semifinals.
“There’s definitely been a learning curve this year,” Jackson explained. “But the progress I have seen this team make since our first day together this spring makes me beyond proud and I know that they will come back hungrier than ever to try to win a regional title next season.”
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