CASTLETON, Vt. -
Kate LaPan's clutch walk-off single led the Castleton University softball team to a Game 2 victory Tuesday afternoon, salvaging a doubleheader split with Saint Michael's.
Hannah Mosher smacked her first career home run in the exciting nightcap.
Saint Michael's 7, Castleton 6
The Spartans (7-4) raced to an early 6-0 lead, but weren't able to hold off the Purple Knights (6-11) as they clawed back until eventually claiming the lead in the seventh inning after Marli Welter's RBI double.
Castleton looked to have a commanding lead following a five-run second inning that saw the Spartans bat around.
Jess Heinrichs led the inning with a single, eventually scoring on LaPan's fielder's choice. Mosher and
Jamie Boyle strung together back-to-back hits to hike the hosts' lead to four runs.
Allison Almond capped the inning with a single to center field, plating Boyle and giving the Spartans a 6-0 advantage.
Castleton totaled 12 hits, led by Heinrichs with three. Mosher, Almond, and
Olivia Bowen each had two apiece. Six different Spartans notched an RBI, while Mosher and Boyle claimed the only extra-base hits. Saint Michael's, paced by Jenna Devens with three, collected 13 hits. Hope Hiscock led the team with a pair of RBIs.
Jackie Cherry earned the win in the circle with a full seven innings and five strikeouts to her credit.
Olivia Joy, who tossed three and two-thirds in relief, took the loss with three earned runs allowed. Starter
Katie Gallagher logged three and a third and surrendered three earned runs on eight hits.
Castleton 4, Saint Michael's 3
The Spartans entered the home half of the seventh tied 3-3, having surrendered a 3-1 lead with runs allowed in the fifth and seventh innings.
Makenna Thorne kicked off the deciding frame with a single before advancing to second via Heinrichs' bunt. Thorne was moved to third by
Miranda Fish's sacrifice bunt before scoring on LaPan's single up the middle.
Mosher put the Spartans on the board in the fourth inning, belting Kelleigh Simpson's offering over the right field fence. Castleton would tack on another in the frame thanks to
Kylie Wright's double.
Wright, who pitched a complete game, earned her second victory of the season in the circle. She struck out three without issuing a walk.
Castleton notched eight hits to the visitors' 11 - Thorne and Almond posted two apiece for Castleton, while Devens and Angelica Johns both saw three-hit performances.
The Spartans are set to travel to Middlebury Wednesday, April 6 for a non conference doubleheader beginning at 3:30 p.m.
