CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton softball team swept Rhode Island College in Little East Conference action on Saturday afternoon, rallying from a six-run deficit to earn a come from behind victory in game one before holding off a late push in game two.
Game 1
The Basics:
- Final Score: 7-6 Castleton
- Location: Castleton, Vt. | Spartan Softball Field
- Records: 15-7 (7-2 LEC) Castleton |Â 19-8 (4-3 LEC) Rhode Island College
How it Happened:
Rhode Island College struck early in the second inning, using a mix of walks and singles to take the lead. The Anchorwomen added another in the top of the third, as a double down the left field line and a Castleton error pushed the advantage to 6-0.
Castleton answered with a come from behind effort beginning in the bottom of the fourth with a two-out rally.
Makayla Walsh sparked it with a single through the left side before
Masson Billert drew a walk to put two on.
Alexis Rogers followed with an RBI single to left field, and
Abby Hacker doubled to right to bring in another run.
Jordan Hill added an RBI single to center, cutting the deficit to three and prompting a pitching change.
The Spartans continued to capitalize, as
Maddy Dudley reached on a dropped ball in center field, allowing another run to score and bring Castleton within two. Castleton held Rhode Island College scoreless the rest of the way and completed the comeback in the fifth, with key hits from Walsh and Hacker to even the score at 6-6.
With one final chance in the bottom of the seventh, Walsh delivered again with a double down the left field line. In her first at bat of the game,
Carolyne Burlone followed with a double to the right field fence, driving in Walsh for the walk-off victory.
Top Performers:
- Walsh went 4-for-4 with four hits, two runs scored, and an RBI.
- Burlone delivered the game-winning RBI in her first at-bat of the game.
Game 2
The Basics:
- Final Score: 11-9Â Castleton
- Records: 16-7 (8-2 LEC) Castleton | Â ( LEC) Rhode Island College
How it Happened:
Castleton carried its momentum into game two with a dominant first inning, erupting for eight runs. Dudley reached on a dropped ball to spark the rally, and a series of singles loaded the bases for the Spartans. Walsh delivered a two-RBI double, while Hacker followed with a double of her own to right-center, prompting an early pitching change. Dudley later added an RBI single as Castleton closed the inning with a commanding 8-0 lead.
The Spartans held Rhode Island College in check until the third, when the Anchorwomen strung together three singles to plate two runs. Castleton responded in the bottom half, as
Samera Rideout and
Madison Gould each recorded RBI singles to extend the lead to 10-2.
Rhode Island College continued to chip away at the deficit with well placed hits, but the Spartans held off the late surge to secure the 11-9 victory.
Top Performers:
- Three different Spartans recorded two hits and one RBI, while three others finished with two hits and two RBIs.
- Alex Brouillette earned the win in the circle, striking out three and allowing just one walk over four innings.
What's Next
The Spartans will continue their home stretch on Tuesday, April 21, hosting UMass Boston in a Little East Conference doubleheader beginning at 3 p.m.
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