Last Day of the Spring Games – Knights Get A Win

By D.J. Bevivino

CLERMONT, FL – The Mount Saint Mary (MSM) Knights softball team (1-8) rallied from an early deficit to defeat Carroll University (Wis.) (6-10) by a score of 10-9 in a thrilling game 1 on the final day of the Spring Games tournament. Game 2, however, Knights took on a strong Wesleyan University team and lost 10-5 in 5 innings.

Game 1
Sophomore pitcher Grace MacDonald (1-0) picked up her first win of the season after tossing 5.2 innings in relief. She allowed five runs on eight hits while striking out seven batters. Senior Bridget Morris started the game for the Knights and pitched 1.1 innings, surrendering four runs on four hits.

The Knights offense erupted for 12 hits, led by freshman outfielder Kristen Tellier (2-for-3, 4 RBI) who drove in four runs with a key two-run single in the bottom of the fourth inning and a two-out single in the bottom of the seventh inning. Senior shortstop Olivia Ferara (1-for-5, RBI) and senior catcher Sofia Gannon (3-for-4, 2 RBI) each added to the score with clutch plate appearances. Grad Student first baseman Samantha Bendig (2-for-4, RBI) chipped in with a double and an RBI.

Carroll jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a two-run single and a sacrifice fly. The Knights responded with a run in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by Chloe Graham.

MSMC added two more runs in the second inning on a double by Bendig and a passed ball to bring the score to 4-3. The Knights extended their lead to 5-4 in the third inning on a two-run single by Tellier.

Carroll battled back with three runs in the top of the fifth inning to bring their chance of catching the Knights closer. However, the Knights answered right back in the bottom of the inning, plating a single run to go up 10-7. Gannon’s single to left was the key hit in the inning.

The Pioneers added two more runs in the top of the seventh inning to cut the deficit to one run, but MacDonald shut the door in the top of the seventh to secure the victory for the Knights.

“This was a great team win for us,” said Mount Saint Mary College head coach Samantha Howe. “I was proud to see the fight that this team has in them, coming back from an early deficit and rallying to get the win. Our offense did a great job of putting the ball in play and creating scoring opportunities, and Grace MacDonald came in and pitched very well in relief.”

Game 2
For the Knights, starting pitcher Grace MacDonald (0-5) took the loss after allowing 9 runs on eleven hits in 4.1 innings. Dana Donnelly (0-0) pitched 0.1 innings in relief, allowing one run on one hit. Christina Fiumara (0-0) closed out the game, walking the final run in for the cardinals.

Senior third basemen Riley Norwood (1-for-2, HR, 2 RBI) provided the lone offensive spark for the Knights, launching a two-run homer in the top of the fifth inning. freshman outfielder Grace Terpening (1-for-2) and Sofia Gannon (1-for-1 1BB) each added a single for MSMC.

The Knights will return to action on Saturday, March 23rd, when they travel to take on Russell Sage College for a doubleheader at 12:00 pm.