CLERMONT, FLORIDA – The Mount St. Joseph University softball team swept its doubleheader to open its spring break trip, defeating Carthage 5–2 in Game 1 and Hiram 15–2 in Game 2.
GAME ONE | Carthage 2 – MSJ 5
Carthage struck first in the top of the first, plating one run to take an early 1–0 lead. The Mount wouldn't score in the bottom half, and both teams went scoreless in the second. In the top of the third, the Firebirds added another run to take a 2–0 lead.
The Lions responded when Kaitlyn Randle singled to right center, cutting the Carthage lead in half. In the bottom of the fourth, the Mount tied the game at 2–2 when Sydney Hughbanks walked and came around to score on an Alayna Flynn sacrifice fly to left.
The Lions added three runs in the bottom of the sixth to take their first lead of the game. Calli Fletcher led off the inning with a single, and the next batter, Skylar Fletcher, drew a walk. After the runners were moved over on a sacrifice bunt by Alayna Flynn, Shelby Rakosky singled to score a run, and another runner crossed home on a Firebirds throwing error. Avery Wiltermood followed with a single up the middle to score Rakosky, pushing the score to 5–2.
The Mount defense fended off any Carthage rallies in the final innings with a complete-game pitching performance from Clare Lopeman, holding on for the 5–2 win.
Shelby Rakosky went 1-for-4 with an RBI. Avery Wiltermood went 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Kaitlyn Randle went 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Alayna Flynn went 1-for-1 with an RBI, and Calli Fletcher added a hit. Clare Lopeman threw a complete game, allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out two and walking two.
GAME TWO | MSJ 15 – Hiram 2
In Game 2, the Lions scored in the top half of the first when Kaitlyn Randle doubled to score Shelby Rakosky, who led off the game with a walk. In the second inning, the Mount added three more runs to take an early 4–0 lead. Avery Wiltermood had an RBI single up the middle, and the next batter, Randle, added a two-RBI single through the left side.
The game broke open in the third inning as the Lions added seven runs to take an 11–0 lead. Shelby Rakosky doubled to right center, plating three runners. Mollie Sharps' RBI fielder's choice plated two more after a throwing error by Hiram. Calli Fletcher continued the scoring with a single to right that brought home two runs.
Alayna Flynn singled to start the fourth and came around to score, extending the Mount's lead to 12–0. In the fifth, the Lions plated three more runs, with two coming on a single from Lauryn Miller. Krystalin Wagner's RBI groundout plated the Lions' final run of the game.
Hiram's home run in the bottom of the fifth wasn't enough, as the Mount run-ruled the Terriers in five innings, 15–2. Mollie Sharp started, pitching two and a third innings, giving up only two hits while striking out three. Lesleigh Reimers got the win, pitching two and two-thirds innings, giving up two runs while striking out three.
Shelby Rakosky went 1-for-2 with a three-RBI double and a walk. Kaitlyn Randle went 2-for-2 with a double, three RBIs, and a walk. Calli Fletcher went 1-for-2 with two RBIs, and Lauryn Miller went 1-for-1 with two RBIs.
UP NEXT: The Lions will continue their spring break trip in Clermont, Florida, where they will play a doubleheader on Wednesday, March 11. Game 1 is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. vs. Roger Williams University, with Game 2 to follow at 1:30 p.m. vs. Lasell University.
