The Cavaliers softball team shared both games of a doubleheader with the Immaculata University Mighty Macs, losing the first game 4-2 and winning the second 4-3, at Cabrini Field on Friday, March 16.
The doubleheader was the first two games of Colonial States Athletic Association play for the Cavaliers, putting them at 1-1 as well as an overall record of 4-6. It was also their first contest of the season on home field.
“We had a strong defensive showing and good teamwork,” head coach Lisa McGregor said.
The Cavs opened up the scoring early, after senior shortstop Sammy Thompson scored off of a single by senior first baseman Angela Shookster in the bottom of the first inning. However, they were not able to enjoy the early lead for much longer.
In the top of the third inning, Mighty Macs freshman designated player Marleaha Himmons doubled to center field, scoring junior shortstop Holly Schell and freshman pinch-runner Dana Disney. Himmons’ double allowed the Mighty Macs to take a 2-1 lead.
After taking their first lead of the game, the Mighty Macs would not look back. In the next inning, Schell singled to center field, scoring freshman pinch-runner Jessica DeCastro. Schell then proceeded to advance to second base and stole third base. After freshman Cavalier catcher Rebecca Miles overthrew a pitch-out attempt to third base, Schell scored, making the score 4-1 in favor of the Mighty Macs.
At the end of the fourth inning, junior Cavalier pitcher Missy Miller was put on the mound in relief of fellow junior pitcher Marcelle Crist. Crist, the starter, allowed four runs on nine hits and struck out three batters. Miller allowed just two hits in three innings of work.
“I’d just stay calm and focus on every pitch,” Miller said. “I try to take it one pitch at a time and not think too much.”
The fifth and sixth innings went by smoothly, with both teams recording one hit apiece. In the seventh inning, the Cavaliers were set up for some last-inning drama.
The Cavaliers recorded three hits, and loaded the bases up. Miller scored off of a single by junior centerfielder Lindsay Atzert. With two outs and the bases loaded, senior third baseman Ryan McDonough grounded out to pitcher Meagan Fitzgerald, ending the game.
“We had a good initial showing with our bats before they faded,” McGregor said.
Fitzgerald pitched a complete game for the Mighty Macs and allowed two runs on seven hits, striking out five batters and walking one.
Shortly thereafter, the second game started with two sophomores getting the start on the mound- Bethany Feinberg for the Cavs and Danielle Palmisano for the Mighty Macs.
No runs were scored until the bottom of the third inning, when Atzert and junior outfielder Taylor McGarvey scored off of a single by Shookster. However, just as in the first game, the Cavaliers did not get to enjoy the lead for too long.
In the top of the fourth inning, the Mighty Macs added two runs of their own. Himmons walked and scored off of a home run courtesy of Palmisano.
After several innings of a tied game, the Cavaliers added two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Shookster singled to right field and Crist stepped in to pinch-run for her. Miles, the next batter, slugged a home run and gave the Cavs a two-run lead.
In the top of the seventh inning, the Mighty Macs were threatening to take another lead, loading the bases up. Feinberg was able to record just one out before being pulled in favor of Miller. Miller hit Himmons with a pitch, scoring Disney. However, Palmisano flew out to centerfield, ending the game and sealing the win for the Cavs.
Feinberg recorded the win after allowing three runs on four hits, striking out one batter and walking five. Miller recorded a two- out save. Feinberg was saddled with the loss, after allowing four runs on seven hits, one strikeout and three walks.
The Cavs had to face last-inning drama twice in one day, providing for a highly interesting home opener.
“We were hoping for our bats to come around more efficiently and string hits together,” McGregor said.
