Chelsea Hawks throws her ninth shutout of season for Shoreham-Wading River

Like a bird of prey, Chelsea Hawks has been feasting . . . on hitters, that is.

Hawks has spread her wings this season, and she continued to soar Wednesday, recording her ninth shutout of the season in Shoreham-Wading River's 8-0 win over host Mattituck in League VII.

"We have total confidence in her," Shoreham coach Christina Shiffman said. "She keeps us in every single game that we play. We just have to do the little things right and we'll win the game."

Hawks' curve and rise ball glided through the air with ease Wednesday as she struck out 14, walked none and allowed four hits.

Jade Joannou went 2-for-2 and opened the scoring with an RBI single to left that brought home Erin Whelan in the second inning.

Alex Hutchins drew a bases-loaded walk in the fifth, and Hailey Wehr and Stevie Micheli followed with RBI singles to increase the lead to 5-0. Hawks added a two-run double in the seventh and scored on a single by Caitlin Mirabell, who went 2-for-4.

Brittany Tumulty broke up Hawks' perfect game with a line-drive single to center with one out in the fourth for Mattituck (5-9). Courtney Ficner then singled to the hole between short and third but Brittany Mahan made a beautiful diving stop to prevent a run from scoring and preserve the shutout.

SEE PHOTOSShoreham-Wading River 8, Mattituck 0

"It's a good feeling to make a play like that," Mahan said. "Chelsea usually strikes a lot of people out so we don't even have to worry."

Yes, Hawks has been dominant this season for Shoreham (13-1). She has thrown three no-hitters, her last on Tuesday, and a five-inning perfect game. The senior became the program's all-time leader in shutouts, which extended to 23. She struck out 20 batters in a game and also eclipsed the 600-career strikeout mark.

But with the playoffs coming, Hawks knows she can't fly alone.

"I think, together, we can definitely do some damage if we play our game," she said. "We have a very strong infield. Everyone is hitting solid. My teammates always have my back."

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They're like the wind beneath her wings.