Our defensive outing started the best way possible: a 1-2-3 strikeout from Kyra Dunnirvine ’23 for our first out. Kyra went on to throw 6 strikeouts for the game, which eased the challenge for the rest of the team. The 1st inning was finished off with 2 catches in shallow center field by Mackenzie Caruso ’22, who quickly adjusted her positioning to be in the right place at the right time. Caitlin Budzik ’21 showed her readiness for each play by successfully fielding several hard-hit grounders and pop ups that came her way at 2nd base. With quick thinking and clutch plays, the Wyverns were able to hold off the opponent and maintain the lead for the entirety of the game.

      For this game, offense was about putting the ball in play to manufacture runs in a step by step fashion. An early bunt and a walk in the 1st inning set up Lexi Vail ’22 to earn 2 RBIs by demolishing the ball for a triple to right center. Our next 3 runs were scored on sacrifice grounders from Ava Radmanovich ’21 in the 2nd, Brie Toedt ’21, in the 3rd, and Josie Pinero ’20 in the 4th. Putting the ball in play with all of the hitters in the lineup proved to be a recipe for success, and when we added aggressive base running from players like Olivia Pear ’21 and Kyra, we were able to increase our lead one step at a time and keep it.