By Andy Walter

DOVER — After almost three hours of softball, Sussex Central High and Caravel had clearly proven two things.

Both of them have dominant pitchers and both can pull off some clutch defensive plays.

But, while that made for a tense struggle, somebody still had to score a run in order to go home with the state championship trophy.

And, in the end, third-seeded Caravel was the one who came up with that run, edging top-seeded Central, 1-0, in 11 innings in the DIAA state finals played before an overflow crowd at Dover on Monday afternoon.

The longest contest in championship-game history gave the Buccaneers (19-4) their 11th state crown but first since 2016. The Golden Knights (21-2), who had a 21-game winning streak snapped, were trying to capture the program’s first state crown since 2008.

Central got 22 strikeouts from freshman pitcher Madge Layfield in the loss.

“What they achieved this year was amazing,” said Golden Knight coach John Wells. “They were awesome all year. Losing this game doesn’t define what they achieved this year.

“It stings to lose a state championship. But everyone in our community is proud of them.”

The contest was decided when the Buccaneers’ Brooke Holdsworth lined a single up the middle to score teammate Veronica Diomede from second base in the top of the 11th.

Central, though, had a golden opportunity in the bottom of the inning. Catcher Kate Evick led off with a bloop double that landed just inside the left-field foul line and Mya Jones followed with a single.

Jones then stole second to give the Knights runners on second and third with nobody out.

When Aryanna Briddell then smacked a ball to the outfield, it looked for a moment like Central might have gotten a really big hit. But the ball was caught in right field.

Caravel then got the second out on a bunt play before getting a groundout for the final out. A moment later, the Bucs were happily celebrating in the infield.

Pitcher Jessica Walter, a senior, threw a seven-hitter with 12 strikeouts and two walks to earn the win for Caravel. The Bucs suffered all four of their losses when Walter was dealing with a back injury.

Caravel coach Randy Johnson, the former Polytech coach, being part of a tense game like that “was fun.” The Bucs were 5-0 in one-run games this season.

“That’s the way it’s supposed to be when you go to a tournament,” said Johnson. “It’s pretty awesome. Sure it’s suspenseful and nerve-wracking. But it’s the way the game should be.

“We’ve had so many one-run games this year it’s amazing. In the end it helps you, it really does.”

In the sixth, Caravel had a chance to score when Diomede (3-for-3) tripled to right center. But Layfield got a pop-up on a bunt and then struck out Holdsworth on three pitches.

In the seventh, Central got an inning-ending double play when right fielder McKenna Boyle made a nice catch on a hard-hit ball and threw out a runner trying to get back to first.

Then, in the ninth, the Knights almost won the game when Briddell led off with a double. A sacrifice bunt moved the pinch runner to third with only one out.

When Kaylee Verosko sent a sinking liner to center, it looked like the contest might be over. But Caravel centerfielder Kendall Browne made a diving catch and doubled the runner off third after she broke for home.

“Give them credit,” said Wells. “They played great ‘D’ when they had to and we hit two scorchers with people on base right at them. ... We hit the ball great. If the ball is five feet either way, we win.”

Along with her 22 strikeouts, Layfield allowed only six hits with three walks.

“Incredible effort by Madge,” said Wells. “Incredible season by Madge and our team.”

Considering Layfield’s career is just getting started and the Knights have only three seniors in Briddell, Tatum Otwell and Skylar Webb, they’re in position for another big season next spring. Henlopen Conference teams have won 10 softball state titles since 2007 with Caravel taking the other four.

“I said, all those (players) that are back, let the sting motivate you,” said Wells. “Work out in the weight room, play ball all summer, come back ready again next year. Softball is really competitive.”

Sports editor Andy Walter can be reached at 741-8227 or walter@newszap.com.