CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton softball team dropped both games of a non conference doubleheader to the Middlebury Panthers falling 10-6 in game one before a 14-4 loss in five innings in game two.
Game 1
The Basics:
- Final Score: 10-6 Middlebury
- Location: Castleton, Vt. | Spartan Softball Field
- Records: 27-8 Middlebury | 20-10 Castleton
How it Happened:
The Spartans struck first, capitalizing on a series of walks to take an early 1-0 lead. Middlebury answered in the second inning, using multiple doubles to jump ahead 3-1.
Castleton responded in the third inning with a five-run surge. A string of singles put runners in scoring position before
Makayla Walsh delivered an RBI single to right center.
Masson Billert followed by reaching on a fielder's choice to tie the game, and consecutive singles from
Abby Hacker and
Maddy Dudley brought in additional runs as the Spartans moved ahead 6-3.
The Panthers regained momentum in the fourth, scoring four runs on four hits to take a 7-6 lead and added late insurance runs to pull away for the 10-6 win.
Top Performers:
- Dudley recorded two RBIs, a hit and a run scored.
- Billert added two RBIs and scored once.
Game 2
The Basics:
- Final Score: 14-4 (5 inn.) Middlebury
- Records: 28-8 Middlebury | 20-11 Castleton
How it Happened:
Middlebury struck early after an error set up a run-scoring single through the right side. The Panthers built a commanding lead in the second inning, taking advantage of multiple Spartan errors and a double to right center to go up 7-0.
A pitching change brought
Anna Winter into relief in the third, but Middlebury continued its offensive push, adding a two-run single and a bases-loaded walk to extend the lead to 10-0.
Castleton answered in the bottom half of the inning, as
Jordan Hill and Dudley each singled before
Samera Rideout launched a three-run home run down the left field line that struck the foul pole, cutting the deficit to 10-4.
The Panthers maintained control late, adding additional runs to secure the 14-4 win in five innings.
Top Performers:
- Rideout hit a three-run home run to put the Spartans on the board.
What's Next
The Spartans will host Senior Day on Saturday, May 2, against LEC opponent UMass Dartmouth, where they will look to secure the top spot in the conference standings.
