Elizabethtown College’s softball team (4-8, 1-1 LC) kicked off their home opener with a thrilling split against the Juniata Eagles (6-10, 1-1 LC), winning the first game 4-3 but losing the second 12-3 with the game called in the 5th inning.
In the first game of the doubleheader, the Blue Jays found themselves trailing early as the Eagles took an early lead, 0-1 starting the bottom of the 1st. However, Etown quickly turned the tables, capitalizing on offensive opportunities. Third-year Kristen Aydelotte’s two-run double in the bottom of the first inning fueled the Blue Jays’ offense after second-year Brooke Huczko had led off with a double followed by first-year Hannah Long’s bunt single. Second-year Maddie Reever and first-year Skye Zolomij both scored off defensive errors in the 3rd to put them ahead 4-1. Juniata got close late in the game, but fourth-year pitcher Cierra Kunkle stranded a runner on second with a pop fly to end the game. Kunkle delivered a stellar performance, going the distance and ensuring the win with key outs in crucial moments.
Game two saw a reversal of fortunes as Juniata stormed out of the gates, amassing a commanding lead with six runs in the opening frame. Despite the deficit, Etown tried to put up a stand, with third-year Jenna Davis’ first career home run, a three-run homer that injected energy into the Blue Jays’ dugout. However, Juniata maintained their momentum, ultimately securing a 12-3 victory in a shortened five-inning contest, with Juniata’s reliever Rylea Lynch shutting down Etown’s offense while the Eagles continued to rack up the score over the third, fourth and fifth innings when the game was ultimately called.
Huczko emerged as a standout performer for Etown, extending her impressive hitting streak to 12 games with two hits in each of the games. Her consistency at the plate provided a spark for the Blue Jays’ offense throughout the day. Additionally, contributions from Long, Reever and Zolomij underscored the team’s depth and offensive firepower, putting up a solid performance in the first game but were unable to combat Juniata’s offensive power in the second.
Looking ahead, the College remains focused on its upcoming challenges, with a matchup against Penn State Harrisburg (9-3, 0-0 LC) looming on the horizon, on Monday, March 25. Here, they face another double header, at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. As they reflect on their performance against Juniata, the Blue Jays are poised to build upon their strengths and address areas for improvement, aiming to maintain momentum as they navigate through the remainder of the season.
