Seahawks Fall to Mardela for First Loss

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity softball team's dream of a perfect season disappeared with a 3-0 defeat to Mardela on the last day of the regular season on Monday, but the late loss did not prevent the Seahawks from securing the top seed in the state Class 3A East region tournament.

The Seahawks entered Monday's season finale at home against Mardela with a perfect 17-0 record and had barely been tested throughout the season. Decatur pitching had recorded eight shutouts on the year and had given up just one run in a game six other times. Meanwhile, the Seahawks clobbered the ball almost all year long, outscoring their opponents 182-13 in 17 games.

All good things come to an end, however, and the Seahawks' run at a perfect season ended with the 3-0 loss to Mardela on Monday. Decatur starter pitched well, scattering three runs on just three hits and five walks, but Mardela's Jamie Wells was near perfect, allowing just two hits and striking out nine.

Despite the late loss, the Seahawks earned the top seed in the Class 3A-East Region playoffs and a first-round bye. They will play the winner of the first-round game between Aberdeen (8) and Wilde Lake (9) at home on Monday.