We went into this game uncertain of the outcome, but an explosive start in the batter’s box and a solid performance on defense earned us a much needed win.

        Despite our opponent’s strong pitching, the Wyverns came to the plate ready to hit and cleverly navigate their at bats to get on base. After a run was scored on a walk with bases loaded in the 1st inning, Jocelyn Ram ’20 slammed a line drive up the middle for 2 RBIs, and Josie Pinero ’20 matched that intensity by chopping another line drive over 1st base and putting another 2 runs on the board. Still in the first inning, Mackenzie Caruso ’22 came up for a second at bat as the leadoff hitter and joined the line drive club by clocking the ball over the second baseman for 2 runs. We picked up where we left off in the 3rd inning, when Kaylee Diaz ’19 moved runners along with a bunt that simply died in front of home plate. The skillful bunt was followed by two key hits, one pulverized grounder from Lexi Vail ’22 between 3rd base and shortstop and a deep pop up from Brie Toedt ’21 that allowed a runner to tag up from 3rd and score. Besides all of these impressive hits, the team’s general aggressiveness on the bases and the willingness to put the ball in play stood out in this particular game. We made opportunities and capitalized on them (earning 10 RBIs split between 5 different players), which allowed us to maintain the lead we established in the top of the 1st.

       On the defensive side of things, the Wyverns worked their way out of difficult situations to maintain the lead in the rain. Much of our success on the field is owed to the pitching of Kyra Dunnirvine ’23, who had 10 strikeouts for the game despite the slippery conditions, as well as a snag of a laser line drive hit back at her in the 2nd inning. Ava Radmanovich ’21 stood her ground at shortstop to keep the ball in the infield and make the necessary outs at 1st and 3rd, with a particularly impressive stop of a hard grounder to prevent runners from advancing in the 4th inning. Mackenzie reassured our collective gasps at several line drives and pop flies to center field, including the last out of the game when she shut down a dangerous pop up for the win.

        Everything seemed to come together for this game, and it was a satisfying win for the team. Our hope is that our confidence in the batter’s box and our readiness in the field continues until the end of the season.