The Elizabethtown College softball team has once again returned to the infamous scene. “For the game today it is definitely going to be a challenge because Albright is known to fight to the end so we definitely can’t let our guards down,” senior Julie Sebastian said. “We are going to have to play our hardest throughout the game.” And that’s exactly what the Blue Jays did.
On April 14, Etown hosted Albright College in a doubleheader that was packed with action. In game one, Sebastian pitched, picking up a win for her team in the 3-1 victory. In the second game, first-year Becky Becher drove in four runs for a 5-3 victory over Albright.
In game one, Sebastian picked up her thirteenth win. In the sixth inning, Sebastian got a single and two runs came in. She allowed one run and eight hits while striking out eight. The one run came in during the first but she did not allow any more in the outing.
The Blue Jays were outhit 8-3. Third baseman junior Elly McCarthy singled to open the second and Jessica White bunted and moved the runner to second base. First-year Kaylee Werner hit a single which brought McCarthy in to tie the game 1-1. Sebastian put pressure on Albright to produce on top. “Elly was very strong on defense and had outstanding catches during key times,” first-year pitcher Justyna Pepkowski said. Albright got one hit but Sebastian struck out the last two batters. McCarthy led two hits and two runs in the first game.
In game two, Pepkowski was on the mound for the Blue Jays against the Albright players. Etown was able to bring in some early swings in game two. The Blue Jays started with a 2-0 lead. Becher was a big factor in this game because she got the four runs in the game.
“Becky hit really well and drove in runs during key times when we needed her,” Pepkowski said. In the fourth inning, Becher got the 2-RBI triple and junior Lindsay Cooper singled and drove in the fifth run of the game, making it clear that every player is crucial.
“I can’t even pick key players because without certain people we wouldn’t be a family or work together. We need everybody on our team no matter what position they play to come together,” Sebastian said. The second-to-last play of the game was in the seventh inning. The first batter, Brandy Lagomarsino, had a triple to start off the inning for Albright. The next batter hit a ground ball to the third baseman who then threw it to White at first who threw it to junior Courtney Comstock at the plate causing the double play. Pepkowski struck out the last batter to end the game. “Everyone is definitely a key player,” Sebastian said.
Another win has been added to this season’s team record. “It’s good that we got the two wins because we really need them to keep us in the playoff race,” Pepkowski said. The Blue Jays softball team is currently tied for third in the Commonwealth Conference. “We are finally great offensively and defensively. This year has been great because we support each other and that’s important for a team,” Sebastian said.
In regard to the team’s future, Sebastian said, “It is every player’s dream to make playoffs so I would obviously love for that to happen, but on top of that I would like to continue this great relationship the team has. As long as we stick together and support each other like we have, that’s what will help get us there.”
The Blue Jays softball team was on the road Wednesday facing off against Susquehanna University. “We are just all going to have to go in the game with that fierceness that we have with every game, and mindset that it doesn’t matter who they are we just have to play our hardest,” Pepkowski said.
Etown successfully played with that mindset, sweeping Susquehanna 7-2 and 7-4. These wins were extra special, as junior Lindsey Cooper registered her 100th career hit in game one of the series. This season also marks the first time that the Blue Jays have compiled 10 road wins in a season since 1998.
