Keene State Softball hosted its final home games of the season in a senior day double-header against conference opponent Rhode Island College (RIC) on Friday, April 25, where the Owls went 1-1.
The first game of the day began at 2 p.m. and brought the ideal weather for a spring softball game. RIC stepped up to the plate in the first inning and faced senior pitcher Carissa Miller in her seventh start of the year. The top of the first had zero hits and Miller grabbed two strikeouts to start the game.
The bottom of the first saw much of the same from the Owls as they had one hit that did not turn into any runs.
Miller added another K at the top of the second and RIC still struggled to find a hit. When KSC stepped up to the plate at the bottom of the inning, they too were unable to muster a couple of hits and put a dent in the scoreboard.
RIC gained some momentum in the third when Miller let up a hit, but the scoring opportunity closed after a pop-up and a ground-out.
KSC’s bats eventually found their stride in the third as senior outfielder Liv Whittier doubled into left which sent two runners across home. The Owls had their first lead of the day, up 2-0 heading into the top of the fourth.
RIC’s first batter doubled and eventually moved to third with only one out. The home team’s outfield protected its lead as it secured two flyouts and left RIC with a runner on third. KSC’s momentum would not hold on for long as there were three straight outs to close out the fourth inning.
A quick three outs from the Owls at the top of the fifth meant the heart of their order would return to the plate. KSC’s first two batters grabbed the first two outs of the inning and before RIC could get their third, the Owls made sure to add to their total. A double from first-year catcher and utility Abby Weiterman left her in scoring position and another hit from KSC’s next batter moved her to third. Whittier stepped up with two outs and a runner on third as she slammed a single into center field for her third RBI of the day and Weiterman’s second run for the Owls.
RIC, on its heels, had to get something going in the sixth before the game got out of hand. It answered the call after a couple of hits that brought a single runner home to bring the score to 3-1.
The sixth inning comeback was brought to a close and KSC stepped back up in hopes of adding a few more runs to close the first game out. After a lead-off single, the team did just that and eventually got a runner home and extended the lead back to three.
In the seventh, senior Captain pitcher and utility Lilah Demmy was brought in to close out the game, and she did just that. Demmy struck the first batter out and forced the other two to fly out, giving KSC Softball the 4-1 win in the first game on senior day.
In the second game, RIC began right where it left off in the first. The team was able to muster some hits and in the first inning had two runners cross home to grab the early 2-0 lead.
KSC seemed to be ready for a response as the first two batters walked. RIC’s defense delivered early and was able to keep those runners on and get three straight outs and kept their lead.
RIC grounded out twice to begin the second inning, along with a flyout, and KSC returned the favor by striking out twice on top of a flyout. In a flash, the second inning was over, but RIC returned in the third with some impressive batting and baserunning. Their first batter doubled at the top of the third and two flyouts gave the runner an opportunity to head home for the road team’s third run of the game.
KSC’s response was needed after going three down, but RIC’s pitching kept the Owls from any hits. The bottom of the third saw three straight outs from the Owls and the game remained at 3-0.
The fourth inning was quite eventful as both teams were able to garner some hits, but neither could string together enough to send any runners home. At the top of the inning, KSC subbed in Demmy in hopes that she would close out the second game similar to her efforts in the first.
The wind was completely taken out of KSC’s sails at the top of the fifth as Demmy let up a bomb to left field and RIC homered to give them another run. Down four in the bottom of the fifth, a response by the Owls was needed, and eventually, the home team delivered. After a few walks and a single, the Owls were able to get a few runners on base and in scoring position. With the bases loaded, RIC’s pitcher delivered a wild pitch past the catcher, sending the runners forward and bringing home sophomore Lily Mandel for the team’s first run of the game. Whittier walked at the ensuing at-bat, and the bases were loaded once again. Senior Captain infielder Molly Murray answered the call and singled into center field which brought the runners on second and third home to bring the game to 4-3. KSC’s fifth inning surge brought the deficit to one with two innings to go.
The sixth inning was nothing like the fifth, and neither team could muster enough hits to improve their score.
In the final inning, RIC was able to add some cushion to their lead, and brought in a single run and extended their lead to two. In the bottom of the inning, Weiterman doubled to second which gave the Owls an excellent chance to tie or even get a walk-off victory. RIC’s strong pitching would negate this chance and Weiterman remained on second until the final out was achieved. The teams split the day as the Owls won the first match 4-1 and dropped the second 5-3.
Following both games, the Owls celebrated their seniors as part of their senior day ceremony. Seniors Miller, Demmy, Whittier, Murray and infielkder Allison Adams were thanked for their contributions to the program.
The team will travel to Plymouth State University to take on their conference rival on Saturday, May 3.
Jacob Enscoe can be contacted at
jenscoe@kscequinox.com
