On April 15, the Elizabethtown College softball team took on a non-conference opponent, Neumann College. Coming into the game, the Blue Jays had split their season series against Landmark opponent Juniata College, capping off a 3-1 record through their last four matchups. Etown hoped to get some revenge against the Knights after Neumann shut out the Blue Jays last season, with final scores of 7-0 and 6-0, respectively. Etown wore their alternate green jerseys for the matchup, recognizing student athletes’ mental awareness.
Junior pitcher Maddie Reever started in the circle for Etown in game one, looking for her first win of the season against the 6-26 Knights. Both the Blue Jays and Neumann were shut down by solid pitching performances early, with Reever getting out of jams and leaving five runners on base through the first three innings. Etown opened up scoring in the third inning after senior second-baseman Kristen Aydelotte and first-year outfielder Emma Dahl got on base early with a walk and a fielder’s choice. Sophomore outfielder Hannah Long loaded the bases off another fielder’s choice, and sophomore shortstop Skye Zolomij drove the first run of the game home off a sacrifice fly into right field. First-year third-baseman Jess Dunn continued her hit streak to nine games, hitting a single into left field, scoring Long and Dahl from third and second bases. Despite Dunn advancing to third on a throwing error, Etown couldn’t continue the rally, however, the Blue Jays took a 3-0 lead in the third inning. Reever continued her dominant start on the mound, shutting out Neumann until a runner scored in the fifth off a triple, which was unearned. After the complete game by Reever, Etown took game one of the doubleheader, winning 3-1. Reever allowed 10 hits, however, she only walked one batter and allowed one run, earning her first win of the season. Dunn finished the game 1-for-3 with two RBIs.
In game two, Etown handed junior pitcher Mikaela Benner the pitching duties, with the chance to sweep the Knights a season after they had done the same to them. Etown broke through in the bottom of the first inning, as Long scored from second base after Dunn hit a double into center field. First-year catcher Izzy Akelaitis brought Dunn home from second base, knocking a single up the middle to give the Blue Jays a 2-0 lead to end the first inning. Etown extended their lead in the fourth inning, as Aydelotte singled into left field, scoring first-year outfielder Lexi O’Brien from second base. Neumann started to close the gap on the Blue Jays, knocking an RBI double into right field, decreasing the deficit to two in the sixth inning. Etown wasn’t done yet, with Dunn driving in two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, after Long and junior outfielder Brooke Huczko both singled and stole second, extending their lead to four with only three outs remaining for the Knights. Neumann made an attempt to find life in the final inning, however, Etown held on, securing a 5-1 victory and completing the sweep. Benner finished the complete game, allowing seven hits and one run on two strikeouts and two walks. Dunn finished the game hitting 3-for-4 with a run and three RBIs. Long had a solid game, finishing 3-for-4 with two runs and Huczko went 1-for-3 with a run.
Etown will round out their season with a Landmark Conference doubleheader against Wilkes University at home on May 3.
