By Dominic Rapposelli
Sports Editor
Shorewomen softball is back in full swing with their first pair of games already under their belt. The squad traveled to Marymount University on Feb. 25 for a doubleheader with the Saints.
Washington College was outdueled in the first game 9-3. Marymount got out to a 4-0 lead until the top of the fifth inning. Junior outfielder Mia Mavoides got on first base and recorded a stolen base to put her in position to score. Senior catcher Shannon Rosche finished the job to get Mavoides home and put WC on the board.
Rosche would score the second run of the inning, and was followed to home plate by senior infielder Chloe Trefz. The Shorewomen were held scoreless for the rest of the game, as Marymount added five unanswered runs in the bottom of the sixth to end the game.
In the second game, the Shorewomen found themselves down 4-1 after three innings. Senior shortstop Neveah Unzueta hit a triple as the lead off hitter in the first inning before being batted home by junior utility player Jenna Harper.
In the fourth inning, WC began their eleven run unanswered rally. Mavoides would send a double to left field sending home junior infielders Gracelyn Goforth and Lilly Wenzel. Wenzel batted home Unzueta and senior outfielder Lilly Cook for two more fifth inning runs batted in.
The play of the game happened in the sixth inning. With Cook, Trefz, and junior catcher Becca Foulk on base, Wenzel hit a grand slam for four RBI, putting the Shorewomen ahead 11-4.
“It was a great feeling, and I was super excited, but it was even better to have a team that was equally, if not more, excited, and I am super grateful for them,” Wenzel said.
Marymount would score two runs in the sixth to no avail as WC prevailed 11-6 for their first win of the season.
“We have put in hard work in the offseason, and I’m excited for everyone to see it. We are going to be more aggressive on the bases this year, and that showed on Tuesday,” Rosche said.
The team is preparing for their spring break trip, where they will play 10 games in Kissimmee, Fla.
“I think the entire team is excited to be able to play in super nice weather, and the competition is different than the regular season, which is always fun,” Wenzel said. “It’s always a fun trip with our team, so I know I’m definitely excited.”
Travel early in the season will pay off, as the Shorewomen have four home doubleheaders in April.
“While we only have one home game this March, we are a team that is well-versed and ready to travel…We are no strangers to bus rides, and I know that I look forward to them. There’s just something special about being with the people you love and getting pumped up to work together,” Rosche said.
The Shorewomen have just one home doubleheader in March against the Catholic University Cardinals on March 19.