NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The Vermont State University Castleton softball team pulled off a thrilling comeback, topping Cedar Crest 13-9 on Saturday at the Fastpitch Dreams Classic.
The Basics:
- Final Score: 13-9 Castleton
- Location: North Myrtle Beach, SC | North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex
- Records: 4-2 Castleton | 3-3 Cedar Crest College
How it Happened:
Cedar Crest jumped out to an early 4-0 lead after the first inning, but Castleton responded in the top of the second.
Masson Billert led off with a single up the middle, followed by a deep double from
Carolyne Burlone that moved Billert to third and put the Spartans in scoring position.
Jordan Hill singled through the right side to drive in Billert for Castleton's first run, and
Madison Gould doubled to left field, bringing in both Burlone and Hill to cut the deficit to 4-3. Cedar Crest's errors allowed runners to advance with bases loaded and one out, and
Makayla Walsh singled through the right side to tie the game, 4-4. Cedar Crest didn't allow Castleton the lead for long, earning another run to retake the lead 5-4.
The third inning proved challenging for Castleton. Gould came in as a relief pitcher, but a few Spartan errors, combined with strong hitting from Cedar Crest, allowed the Falcons to extend their lead to 9-4.
Castleton mounted a dramatic comeback in the fourth inning. The Spartans' defense produced three quick outs to start the frame. Gould singled through the left side, and the next three batters drew walks, bringing in a run. Walsh doubled for two RBIs, putting Castleton in scoring position with no outs and down by just two. A single to center field earned an RBI for Burlone and loaded the bases with only one out. Hill reached on a fielder's choice, scoring another run to tie the game at 9.
Maddy Dudley's single up the middle drove in two more runs, giving Castleton the lead for the first time (11-9).
Down to their final two outs in the seventh, Billert singled up the middle to start the rally, and
Caley Napoletano followed with a triple to right-center field. Napoletano scored on the throw home, helping Castleton close out the 13-9 victory.
Top Performers:
- Walsh led the Spartans with two hits and three RBIs, including a clutch two-RBI double to spark the comeback.
- Gould and Billert each recorded three hits, with Gould adding two RBIs and striking out nine batters while walking just one.
What's Next
Castleton will continue play in the Fastpitch Dreams Classic tomorrow facing SUNY Polytechnic Institute at 11 a.m. and Arcadia University at 1 p.m.