CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton softball team split a Little East Conference doubleheader with UMass Dartmouth on Saturday afternoon, clinching the top seed in the conference tournament. The Spartans took game one, 2-1, before falling 5-0 in game two.
Prior to today's doubleheader, the team recognized
Jordan Hill,
Alexis Rogers,
Masson Billert,
Alex Brouillette,
Samera Rideout, and
Dana Elkins as part of their senior day ceremony.
Game 1
The Basics:
- Final Score: 2-1 Castleton
- Location: Castleton, Vt. | Spartan Softball Field
- Records: 21-11 (12-3 LEC) Castleton | 24-10 (10-5 LEC) UMass Dartmouth
How it Happened:
UMass Dartmouth struck first in the opening inning, using a string of singles to take an early 1-0 lead. Castleton answered in the bottom half of the inning when
Madison Gould doubled to left center field, and Brouillette followed with a sacrifice fly to bring home the tying run.
The game remained tied as both teams limited scoring chances. Castleton's defense played a key role in keeping the game even, as Elkins made multiple plays in left field and Hill added several diving catches in right field to halt Corsair momentum.
In the bottom of the fifth, Rideout delivered the decisive hit with a double to right center, driving in the go ahead run to give the Spartans a 2-1 advantage. Castleton held UMass Dartmouth scoreless the rest of the way to secure the game one victory.
Top Performers:
- Rideout had a double and the game-winning RBI.
- Brouillette pitched a complete game, allowing one run with four strikeouts and one walk.
Game 2
The Basics:
- Final Score: 5-0 UMass Dartmouth
- Records: 25-10 (11-5 LEC) UMass Dartmouth | 21-12 (12-4 LEC) Castleton
How it Happened:
Game two remained scoreless through the first four innings as both teams relied on strong pitching performances. UMass Dartmouth broke through in the top of the fifth, stringing together four hits to plate three runs and take control.
The Corsairs added insurance in the sixth inning, again recording four hits. A two-RBI double extended the lead to 5-0, which held as the final score.
Top Performers:
- Gould, Brouillette and Walsh each recorded one hit.
- Gould pitched a complete game, striking out seven and issuing one walk.
What's Next
With the regular season complete, Castleton secured the No. 1 seed in the Little East Conference Tournament and will play on Thursday, May 7
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