Softball scores seven in split with La Verne

LA VERNE, Calif. – For the second SCIAC double header of the season, the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps softball team (4-4, 3-1) split with the University of La Verne (9-3, 5-1), 3-1 loss and then 7-6 win. The first game showcased the Athenas' defense and ULV's pitching while the second game saw each team have three hits for extra bases in the high scoring affair.

Junior Anna Gurr (CMC) toed the rubber in game one and threw all six defensive innings for the Athenas. The CMS infield, especially the left side, made plays all day behind Gurr. Junior Carly Roleder (CMC) led with six assists from third base. Gurr and the defense limited ULV to just five hits in the game.

The Leos' pitcher, Elisa Ponce, delivered a solid performance striking out 10 Athenas. CMS still came away with more hits on the day, but unfortunately left more runners on base as well.

The Athenas had a runner in scoring position in the first inning and then earned the first run of the game in the top of the third. Sophomore Ande Troutman (CMC) doubled to right center and then was hit in by Roleder to give CMS the 1-0 lead.

La Verne countered in the bottom of the frame with an RBI hit from Rachel Ogata. Ponce held the Athenas scoreless for the rest of the game and then Sienna Kendricks homered to center for the 3-1 advantage that ended up being the final score.

Game 1 Box Score

In the second game of the day, CMS was more efficient offensively and scored seven runs off nine hits. The Athenas had more success when they put the ball in play, limiting the strikeouts.

The Athenas broke out for three runs in the top of the first via a home run off the bat of Roleder. Freshman Marissa Valdovinos (SC) opened up the game with a double to left field and then Troutman drew a walk. Freshman designated player Alison Jue (SC) expertly sacrificed both runners into scoring position but it ultimately proved unnecessary as Roleder blasted one out of the park.

CMS had another big inning in the second as they manufactured a trio of runs. The inning started off with two walks and a hit by pitch, which forced La Verne to bring Ponce back into the circle. With bases loaded, singles by Troutman and Jue brought in two runs and then a sacrifice fly from Roleder scored Valdovinos easily from third.

Junior Briana Halle (CMC) got the rock for CMS in the second game and then was relieved after another ULV homer, this time from Haley Gomez. Freshman Erin Alexander (CMC) got the Athenas out of the second inning but then was bested by the talented Alexis Schiff for La Verne's third homer of the day. Ultimately, Gurr returned to the circle and pitched four shutout innings to close out the game.

In the top of the sixth, sophomore Reeve Grobecker (CMC) got on with a single and advanced to third via an outfield error and then bunt by Valdovinos. Then, a bloop single from Troutman was all it took to bring in Grobecker for the game-winning run.

Gurr held the Leos scoreless for the remainder of the game and picked up her third win on the season.

Game 2 Box Score

This Saturday, March 11, the Athenas travel across the street for a conference double header against Pomona-Pitzer (4-6, 2-4) starting at 12 p.m. The Sagehens recently split with Whittier winning a one-run game 4-3 and then dropping game two, 8-2.

By Emily Nordhoff
Sports Information Director

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