BOSTON – Delaney and Payton Sylvester's first experience as softball teammates was a banner year as then-12-year-old Delaney and then-eight-year-old Payton raised the Little League Championship trophy for Jessee Burkett.
It might have seemed unlikely at the time, but close to a decade later, the Sylvester sisters are back in the same uniform, this time at Suffolk University. They look repeat history and lead their team to GNAC glory and a championship crown in 2018.
The Sylvester's previous time as teammates came in 2014, when the Doherty Memorial Girls' chased the MIAA Division I Title. Today, Delaney and Payton, who call Worcester, Massachusetts home, are days away from their senior and freshman seasons for the Rams.
After their championship chase at Doherty ended, Delaney went on to hit records for the Rams and Payton wrapped up her high school days. While Boston and head coach Jaclyn Davis were ingredients to Payton's spot at Suffolk, it was playing alongside her big sister that sealed the deal; to be able to play one final softball season with each other was a no-brainer.
For Delaney, it means the world. For Payton, it means everything.
"My mentor has and always will be Delaney," Payton said. "I wouldn't be where I am today without her, she has been my backbone to get me to where I am now. Having this one chance to win the GNAC with her for her last year is incredible and extremely motivating. I want to make this last chance worth it and give it everything I have for her."
Davis could not be more elated to have the dynamic duo on her roster.
"I am extremely excited to have Delaney and Payton playing together this season," Davis said. "I know how much it means to each of them to wear the uniform at the same time and how successful they can be on a field together."
Payton will make her college debut in less than a week and Delaney, a three-time all-region selection, said she thinks her younger sister will make an immediate impact.
"She is a very versatile hitter; she can bunt, hit for contact and for power," Delaney said. "Since she is so athletic in general, she will add some needed speed in our lineup."
Delaney herself recorded a prolific junior year in which she tabbed All-GNAC First Team, GNAC All-Tournament Team and National Fastpitch Coaching Association (NFCA) All-Northeast Region First Team.
She posted a .421 batting average with 61 hits last year – leading the Rams in both categories – and finished the campaign with the sixth-best batting average and second-most hits in the GNAC.
This will be the first and only year that both sisters will get to play in a Suffolk jersey. They have the chance to be one of the most threatening battery's in not just the league, but the region, with the sister swagger providing a definite edge.
"She (Delaney) drives me to do better in everything – pitching, hitting and fielding," Payton said. "She knows me best so she can always pick me up and help me shake anything off. She pushes me to throw the best I can, cheering for me every pitch. When I begin to struggle she will come talk to me and say exactly what I need to get back into my groove."
"I have been catching for her since she has started pitching," Delaney added. "I know when she is giving it her all and when she can give more."
"Their talents and passions for the game are undeniable, and their chemistry is second to none," Davis explained.
"The energy that they bring is infectious and the joy that they get from playing together is natural. Delaney and Payton strive to achieve each day and have a genuine desire for each of their teammates to succeed as well. While they have an incredible bond as sisters, they are also great teammates. I'm positive that they will leave their marks on the program."