KEENE, N.H. – The Vermont State University Castleton softball team split a Little East Conference doubleheader at Keene State on Thursday afternoon, earning a 7-6 win in Game 1 before falling 8-3 in Game 2.
Game 1
The Basics:
- Final Score: 7-6 Castleton
- Location: Keene, N.H. | Owl Athletic Complex
- Records: 11-5 (3-0 LEC) Castleton | 9-8 (0-1 LEC) Keene State
How it Happened:
After a scoreless opening inning, the Spartans broke through in the second with a five-run frame.
Masson Billert and
Makayla Walsh each singled to start the rally, and
Alexis Rogers followed with a base hit to load the bases.
Abby Hacker then delivered a two-RBI single into the gap to bring home the first runs of the day.
Jordan Hill added an RBI single, while two bases-loaded walks pushed the lead to 5-0. Keene State answered in the bottom half with a pair of hits to score one.
Castleton extended its lead in the fourth after loading the bases again, as Billert singled to right field to bring in another run and make it 6-1. On the defensive side,
Maddy Dudley made her second diving catch of the game in center field to help shut down an Owls attempt and preserve the lead.
The Owls chipped away in the fifth, using a leadoff single and Spartan errors to spark a rally before stringing together two hits to score three runs and cut the deficit to 6-4. Keene State then tied the game in the sixth with a two-run home run.
In the seventh, Walsh delivered the deciding moment, launching her first career home run to give Castleton a 7-6 lead. The Spartans held firm in the bottom half to secure the game one victory.
Top Performers:
- Hacker went 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs to lead the Spartans offensively.
- Walsh recorded two hits, including her first career home run, and drove in the game-winning run.
- Dudley provided key defensive plays in center field with multiple diving catches to help stall Keene State's comeback.
Game 2
The Basics:
- Final Score: 8-3 Keene State
- Records: 10-8 (1-1 LEC) Keene State | 11-6 (3-1 LEC) Castleton
How it Happened:
Castleton opened the scoring in the top of the first when Dudley led off with a double down the right field line. After Owls errors put two runners on, Walsh lifted a sacrifice fly to bring in the game's first run for a 1-0 lead. Keene State responded quickly in the bottom half of the inning, taking advantage of Spartan errors to bring in three runs and take a 3-1 lead.
The Spartans put pressure on Keene State again in the third, as a series of hit batters loaded the bases. Hacker reached on a fielding error that allowed a run to score, and
Sami Horton followed with a walk to drive in the tying run. The Owls regained control shortly after, using smart hitting and another Spartan miscue to retake the lead, 4-3.
Both teams went scoreless through the fourth and fifth innings before Keene State broke the game open in the sixth. A well-placed bunt helped load the bases before an RBI single extended the lead and prompted a pitching change for the Spartans, with Rogers entering as relief. A bases-loaded walk forced in another run, and a double to left center field cleared the bases for a 8-3 game two victory for the Owls.
Top Performers:
- Billert and Dudley each recorded two hits to lead the Spartans.
What's Next
The Spartans return home to host Eastern Connecticut State in a Little East Conference doubleheader on Saturday, April 11. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
