GLOUCESTER CITY (N.J.) - A 5-3 start to the season followed by an eight-game losing streak gave many people the idea that the Cedar Creek High School softball team was on a downward spiral.
Or so they thought.
The 11th-seeded Pirates earned a 1-0 victory over third-seeded Gloucester in the South Jersey Group 2 quarterfinals to extend their win streak to four games on Thursday. Cedar Creek previously earned wins over Millville, Pilgrim Academy, and Middle Township in the first round of the S.J. Group 2 playoffs.
Pitcher Liz Martin was dominant in the triumph over Gloucester. Although there is no dip in velocity, Martin is utilizing the groundball a lot more often this year compared to the strikeout. The junior ace forced Gloucester to groundout 15 times while striking out just a single batter in seven innings of work in the circle.
Cedar Creek's Liz Martin allowed five hits and no runs in seven innings in a 1-0 victory over Gloucester in the quarterfinals of the South Jersey Group 2 playoffs at William "Hawker" James Memorial Sports Complex in Gloucester City, New Jersey on Thursday, May 25, 2023. Chris Baker/D2 Sports Network
Cedar Creek's offense was held to only four hits and scored its lone run on a throwing error by the Lady Lions' catcher. Montclair State commit Kelsey McFadden earned the only extra base hit with a double in the top of the second inning.
As good as Martin was in the circle, Lady Lions starter Olivia George was just as good. The Holy Family commit went the distance as she allowed one unearned run, four hits, and struck out five hitters in seven innings.
The number 11 next to Cedar Creek on the bracket is just a mirage as the Pirates are finally rounding into form.
"We had to figure some things out," Cedar Creek coach Shawn Cohen said. "We don't have too much of a different roster compared to last year, but our schedule was a lot harder this time around."
With a team that has nothing to lose, the Pirates aim to erase any doubts.
"We're here," Martin said. "We'll play anyone on any stage, and we will take on any challenge headfirst."
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