Cumberland Valley Dominates in Early Season Matchup of State Champion Hopefuls
4/8/2024
Two high caliber teams, a game under the lights, and several hundred in attendance gave a “prime-time” feel to the early season matchup between the defending PIAA state champions from Northern York and a Cumberland Valley squad with state title aspirations of their own.
Cumberland Valley struck early with Maddie Martin smoking a 2 run double in the first inning and the Eagles never looked back. Sydney May launched a deep HR in the 4th, extending the Eagle lead to 3-0 and then Cumberland Valley blew the game wide open, scoring 3 runs in the 5th on an Annika Shearer HR and a 2 run double from May, and 3 more runs in the 6th on a 2 RBI double from Shearer and a sacrifice fly from Emma Stroup.
Northern York got on the board late with an RBI double from Sabrina Paulin in the 7th, but Cumberland Valley escaped the jam and won the game by a score of 9-1.
Scout Notes
Sydney May | Cumberland Valley | 2025 | P | Fordham Commit
Sydney May was the player of the game, dominating from the circle (5IP, 1H, 0R, 10K) and at the plate (2/3, HR, 3RBI, 2R, and a SB). May consistently pounded the strike zone and showed the ability to mix speeds effectively, keeping hitters off balance. She featured a devastating rise ball which she utilized to get several swings and misses when ahead in the count. Offensively, May showed a rare combination of patience, speed, and power, displaying the makings of a complete hitter.
Annika Shearer | Cumberland Valley | 2025 | OF | Holy Cross Commit
Shearer went 2/3 with an absolute no-doubter of a HR, a 2B, 3RBI, and 3R. She barrelled balls consistently throughout the contest, making clear why she is a Holy Cross commit. She is athletic enough to remain in CF at the next level and showed potential to be a plus defender.
Maddie Martin | Cumberland Valley | 2024 | IF | Lemoyne Commit
Martin demonstrated a terrific approach at the plate, refusing to expand the strike zone while drawing 2 walks. When she did get a pitch in the zone she cashed in, smoking a 2 RBI double over the head of the CF on a 1-1 fastball. While she didn’t see much action defensively, Martin did show athleticism throughout and profiles as being able to stay on the left side of the IF at the next level.
Emma Morgan | Cumberland Valley | 2024 | IF | Rider Commit
Morgan had been on a heater coming into this game, going 6/8 with 10 RBI in her 2 prior games. While she only had 1 hit in this contest, it was the 100th of her prestigious Cumberland Valley career. Aside from her ability to impact the game offensively, Morgan possesses leadership and intangibles that can’t be taught, adding an invaluable component to her already impressive skill-set.
Lauren Richardson | Cumberland Valley | 2027 | P
Richarsdon came on in relief for May in the 6th inning and showcased tantalizing potential, striking out 5 in 2IP. She possesses an athletic frame and certainly looks the part while in the circle. She was able to generate several swings and misses, blowing her fastball past opposing hitters, while also showing off some advanced secondary offerings which she was able to throw for strikes. Richardson should be considered a high priority follow moving forward.
