The Keene State College softball team had an up and down experience in a series of ten games in Florida, where they went 4-6.
The Owls began with an extra innings win over the University of New England, lead by a stellar performance from pitcher Mariah Crisp who threw eight strikeouts in a complete game. After the 4-2 win, the Owls struggled in a 7-0 shutout loss to The College of New Jersey. KSC only managed three hits in the game while first year pitcher Molly St. Germain allowed five runs in three-and-a-half innings.
Contributed Photo / KSC Sports Information Department
KSC then rebounded in their game against Endicott where they had an offensive revival thanks to senior Steph Long, junior Jen Galavotti and sophomore Olivia Indorf, each with three hits. Crisp also threw another complete game tossing six strikeouts to seal the 4-2 win.
After the win, the Owls were shutout once more in a difficult 8-0 loss against William Paterson in which the contest only lasted five innings. With Owls only managing five hits and committing six errors, the Pioneers took advantage managing 11 at bats in the fifth inning. This would be their first loss in a three game losing streak, as the Owls would fall to Transylvania (8-9) and William Paterson in a second match-up (6-2).
But in the midst of their losing woes, the Owls dug deep to put together a two game winning streak. In their 4-2 victory vs Bowdoin, Long and sophomore Shae Crosby had two hits on three at bats, while Crisp tossed nine strikeouts.
The club then continued its momentum vs North Park where the Owls blasted eleven hits in contest. Senior Morgan Fallon, Indorf, senior Heather Pelletier and first year Courtney Votto all had two hits in St. Germain’s first collegiate win on the mound. First year pitcher Leah Rowe threw two shutout innings in relief toward the end of the game to seal the victory.
Unfortunately for the Owls they could not finish their road trip on high note as they fell to Stockton and McDaniel in two consecutive losses. The loss to Stockton came on a 3-0 shutout, while they were served a difficult 2-1 loss to McDaniel despite St. Germain striking out seven batter in over six innings.
The Owls look to bounce back on Saturday where they will begin their two game road series versus Western Connecticut State.
Nick can be contacted at ntocco@kscequinox.com
