GORHAM, Maine – The Vermont State University Castleton softball team split a doubleheader with Southern Maine in Little East Conference action on Saturday, earning a 4-1 victory in game one before falling 3-2 in game two.
Game 1
The Basics:
- Final Score: 4-1 Castleton
- Location: USM Softball Field | Gorham, Maine
- Records: 19-9 (11-2 LEC) Castleton | 19-11 (3-8 LEC) Southern Maine
How it Happened:
The Spartans took a 1-0 lead in the second inning after
Alexis Rogers doubled to left field and
Jordan Hill followed with an RBI single.
Castleton added to its advantage in the third, as a single from
Madison Gould and another fielder's choice put runners on base.
Makayla Walsh delivered a single, and a throwing error by Southern Maine allowed an unearned run to score, extending the lead to 2-0.
The Spartans continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning, with Rogers and Hill each recording singles before
Maddy Dudley doubled to right center to bring in another run.
In the fifth, a series of Huskies errors loaded the bases for Castleton, and Hill brought in a run on a fielder's choice to make it 4-0. Southern Maine answered with a solo home run, but the Spartans held on for the 4-1 victory.
Top Performers:
- Madison Gould tossed a complete game, striking out a career high 13 while allowing just four hits and two walks.
- Rogers went 3-for-4 with two runs scored.
- Gould and Hill each recorded two hits, with Hill driving in two RBIs.
Game 2
The Basics:
- Final Score: 3-2 Southern Maine
- Records: 20-11 (4-8 LEC) Southern Maine | 20-9 (11-3 LEC) Castleton
How it Happened:
After a scoreless first two innings, Southern Maine broke through in the third. A walk followed by a fielder's choice put a runner in scoring position before a sacrifice fly brought in the game's first run. The Huskies added to their lead later in the inning with a single up the middle that drove in two runs, taking a 3-0 advantage.
The game remained scoreless over the next two innings until the Spartans mounted a late push in the sixth. Consecutive singles helped plate the first run, and Walsh followed with a hit to center field to bring home another, cutting the deficit to 3-2 but could not complete the comeback as Southern Maine held on to secure the split.
Top Performers:
- Gould and Walsh both recorded a hit and an RBI.
- Brouillette pitched 4 innings, striking out six and walking two. Gould added two innings of relief, striking out three without issuing a walk.
What's Next
The Spartans will return home to host their Strikeout Cancer game on Wednesday, April 29, with a non-conference doubleheader against Middlebury set for 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.