Army Falls to Lehigh in Softball Championship

BRIGHTON, MASS. – The Army West Point softball team (14 – 39) fell to Lehigh (31-19) in their second game of the Patriot League Softball Championship

Lehigh swiftly took the lead in the top of the first, going up 1-0 against the Black Knights thanks to a fielder’s choice.

In the bottom of the first, Army’s leadoff hitter, Kayla Edwards, wasted no time, reaching base with a sharp single to right field. Following her lead, Ashton White also singled, putting two on base with no outs. Despite this promising start, Lehigh’s pitcher Maria Urban and the defense managed to stifle the offense and keep the Black Knights scoreless.

Army’s pitcher, Olivia Farris, and her defense held Lehigh at bay in the top of the second, preventing any runs or hits.

In the bottom of the second, Urban breezed through the inning, retiring the side in order and denying Army any opportunity to score or secure a hit.

Lehigh secured another hit in the top of the third with one out, but a remarkable double play by Army’s defense prevented them from capitalizing on the opportunity.

However, in the bottom of the third, Army found their stride. Edwards led off with another single to right-center, and White followed with a double to left-center, bringing Edwards home and knotting the game at 1-1.

The fourth inning passed without either team scoring, as both pitchers and defenses held firm, denying any runs.

Lehigh broke the stalemate in the top of the fifth, adding two more runs off of singles, extending their lead to 3-1.

The sixth inning saw no change in the scoreline as both teams remained scoreless.

In the top of the seventh, Lehigh extended their lead further. Cimino smashed a two-run home run, pushing their advantage to 5-1.

In the bottom of the seventh, Lehigh’s relief pitcher, Chloe Hess, efficiently dealt with Army’s three batters, securing the victory for Lehigh with a final score of 5-1.

The loss marked the end of Army’s run in the Patriot League Softball Championship, signaling the conclusion of the 2024 season for the Black Knights.