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Makayla Walsh prepping to run on second base.
8
Gwynedd Mercy GWYNEDD 2-5
12
Winner Vermont State Castleton VERMONT 0-0
Gwynedd Mercy GWYNEDD
2-5
8
Final
12
Vermont State Castleton VERMONT
0-0
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Gwynedd Mercy GWYNEDD 1 0 0 0 4 3 0 8 6 2
Vermont State Castleton VERMONT 1 0 0 0 7 4 X 12 14 2

W: Gould, Madison (1-0) L: Rylie O'Toole (0-3)

Game Recap: Softball |

Spartans Rally from Behind to Open Season With Victory

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The Vermont State University Castleton softball team kicked off its 2026 season with a dramatic 12-8 comeback win over Gwynedd Mercy on Day 1 of the Fastpitch Dreams Classic. The Spartans took control late, highlighted by a two-RBI single from Makayla Walsh in the fifth and another clutch two-RBI single from Madison Gould in the sixth to secure the victory.  

The Basics:
  • Final Score: 12-8 Castleton
  • Location: North Myrtle Beach, SC | North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex
  • Records: 1-0 Castleton | 2-6 Gwynedd Mercy
How it Happened:
Gwynedd Mercy took an early lead in the first inning, scoring on a single combined with a couple of pitching errors. Castleton quickly responded as Gould singled up the middle and Samera Rideout doubled to left field, bringing Gould home to tie the game at 1. The next few innings remained scoreless until the Griffins mounted a rally, putting together a double down the left-field line that scored two runs, followed by another RBI double to take a 5-1 lead heading into the bottom of the fifth.   

The Spartans answered dramatically. Gould led off with a double to left, and Rideout's single brought her home. After Alex Brouillette was hit by a pitch, Masson Billert reached on a fielder's choice, loading the bases with no outs. Anna Winter singled to left, bringing Brouillette home and advancing Billert. Winter came around to score on a subsequent play, followed by Maddy Dudley doubling to center to drive in another run. Makayla Walsh then singled through the left side, scoring Winter and Dudley, giving Castleton a 8-5 lead.

Gwynedd Mercy fought back in the top of the sixth, scoring three runs off a Spartan error to tie the game at eight, but Castleton responded in the bottom half. Billert singled, Caley Napoletano reached on a fielder's choice and stole second, and after a string of Griffins errors, Castleton loaded the bases. Gould delivered a two-RBI single to bring home Abby Hacker and Winter, giving the Spartans a 12-8 advantage. Castleton held on in the final inning to claim the opening-day victory.

Top Performers:
  • Dudley had two hits and three RBIs.
  • Gould and Rideout had three hits and two RBIs apiece.
What's Next
Castleton will continue play in the Fastpitch Dreams Classic tomorrow facing PSU-Abington at 11 a.m. and Brevard College at 1 p.m.

 
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