CASTLETON, Vt. – The Spartans won their first game of the year, 7-2 over Skidmore, behind a strong pitching performance from junior Emily Sweeney (Weare, N.H.) after dropping the first game of Saturday afternoon's doubleheader 5-0 at Spartan Field. 

Sweeney when the full seven innings, walking two and striking out three in helping her team earn its first win of the season. Mercedes Maltbie (Warrensburg, N.Y.) finished 3-for-5 on the afternoon while Tori Fearon (Colchester, Conn.) chipped in with three as well.

In the opener, it was a pitcher's duel through the first three innings as Castleton junior Taylor Lively (Greenfield, Mass.) and Skidmore senior Sam Crose (Assonet, Mass.) shut down the opposing offenses.

The Thoroughbreds broke through in the top of the fourth on a pair of unearned runs. Each of the first two runners reached base safely, the second on an error, and a sacrifice bunt advanced them a base with just one out. The Spartans were able to get a tag out on a good throw to home by shortstop Kristy Pinkham (Brandon, Vt.), however, Donata Lorenzo (Buffalo, N.Y.) followed with a double to score both runners on base.

In the top of the sixth, Julia Schwartz (Bryn Mawr, Pa.) singled with one out and Katie Sorochka (Jackson, N.J.) rocked a ball over the left field fence for a 4-0 advantage. 

Skidmore added its final run in the top of the seventh and Castleton was unable to get anyone in scoring position in the bottom of the frame.

Crose finished with a four-hit shutout and six strikeouts without a walk. Lively gave up nine hits and just earned runs while striking out five. Fearon finished with two hits while Pinkham and Malbie each had one. For the Thoroughbreds, Carol Brown (Seattle, Wash.) and Christina Gargiso (Staten Island, N.Y.) each had a pair of hits.

Castleton got its offense going early in the second game, scoring three times in the bottom of the first inning. With two down, Fearon drew a walk and Margy Kerschner (Vergennes, Vt.) was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. Maltbie followed with a single to load the bases for freshman Stephanie Sylvester (Swanton, Vt.). The catcher doubled to centerfield, emptying the bases for the 3-0 lead.

In the top of the second, Skidmore responded as Schwartz singled and then came around to score and cut the lead to 3-1.

The Spartans pushed their advantage back to three in the fourth when Sylvester, Bridget Dusha (Greenwich, N.Y.) and Caylee Fleury (Barre, Vt.) each singled to open the inning. Sylvester was then forced out at home and Dusha was thrown out at the plate while trying to score on a wild pitch for back-to-back outs. However, Fleury was able to cross the plate one batter later on a single by Pinkham.

Castleton added three more runs in the fifth to make it a 7-1 ballgame. Fearon led off the inning with a single to right and Kerschner  followed with a walk. The two advanced to second and third on a wild pitch before a triple by Maltbie brought both runners home. A sacrifice bunt by Sylvester plated Maltbie for the final Spartan run.

Sorochka hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh but the Thoroughbreds wouldn't get anymore as Sweeney and the defense closed the door.

Sorochka pitched the first three innings and earned the loss, giving up four runs while walking one and striking out four. Abby Fuhrman (Amherst, Mass.) pitched the fourth inning and Schwartz came in for the final two. She didn't give up a hit and also went 3-for-3 at the plate with one run scored.

Castleton returns to action on Sunday at 1 p .m. for a doubleheader with Cazenovia.