Samantha Bendig Opens the Season at 100

By D.J. Bevivino

Clermont Springs, FL – The Mount Softball team got their season started in Clermont Spring Florida at The Spring Games. In their first day of play they took on Augsburg University for game 1 and Suffolk University in game 2.

Game 1
A Milestone Achieved
Despite the loss, the game was a memorable one for Grad Student first baseman Samantha Bendig, who notched her 100th career hit with a single in the top of the fourth inning. Bendig finished the game 1-for-2 at the plate.

Highlights from the Knights
Grad Student outfielder Laura Dentato went 1-for-2 with a double, while senior Riley Norwood added a single to the Knights’ three hit day. Melanie McClinchey chipped in with a sacrifice bunt.

In the circle, senior pitcher Bridget Morris got the start for the Mount and took the loss (0-1). Morris allowed six runs (five earned) on four hits in 3.0 innings of work. Morris, was able to strike out 6 of the Augsburg batters. Sophomore Dana Donnelly came on in relief and tossed 1.0 inning, allowing four runs (all earned) on two hits.

Game 2
Early Offense for the Mount
The Knights got on the board early, plating two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Grad Student Laura Dentato got a quick bat on the ball and doubled to left field. She then moved up on a wild pitch and was brought home on a Samantha Bendig single.

Highlights from the Knights
Dentato finished the game 2-for-3 with a double, while Riley Norwood went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Sofia Gannon chipped in with a single and an RBI going 2-4 on the day. The Mounts bats were looking better in game 2, getting 9 hits.

Sophomore pitcher Grace Macdonald got the start for the Mount and took the loss (0-1). Macdonald allowed 12 runs (ten earned) on 15 hits in 6.2 innings of work. Sophomore Dana Donnelly came on in relief and tossed 0.1 innings, allowing no runs in the single batter she faced.

Head Softball Coach Samantha Howe said, “For our first time out this season, I am proud of our girls. The first game’s score is not indictive of how our team played. I am happy with how they rallied together to try to overcome adversity. Our pitchers threw well and our hitters were having quality at bats – which is all you can ask for. The second game, we battled for most of the game and it got away from us at the end. We have to get better at making the routine plays as we all know hits are going to happen and we have to stop the damage when we can. This is why we have spring training, we are looking ahead to get ready for our conference play. Tomorrow is a new day and we are excited to get back on the field.”