Sports Briefs Softball, Track and Palladino

Author: David Infante

Palladino is the Pitcher of the Week in the NESCAC

Rob Palladino '09 was named NESCAC Pitcher of the Week for his standout, 10-inning performance in the past week's games. Palladino pitched against both St. Michael's and Wesleyan, giving up no earned runs in either contest. Against St. Michael's, the sophomore pitched four innings and allowed only one hit en route to an 8-2 decision in favor of the Panthers.

At Wesleyan, Palladino pitched the Panthers into two consecutive victories over the Cardinals by closing out the final game of the series with a win. In that game, he threw a six-inning shutout while allowing only four hits. Palladino also managed five strikeouts over the course of the week. The Panthers, who currently sit in third in the NESCAC West, will travel to Bates College this weekend for a doubleheader against the Bobcats.



Heritage's offense earns her Player of the Week

Following a dominant week against conference opponents, the Middlebury women's lacrosse team saw one of its own earn NESCAC Player of the Week honors. Dana Heritage '10 played against both Williams and Amherst last week and helped boost the Panthers past the opposition with several scoring contributions. The first-year midfielder tallied a goal and an assist last Wednesday in a win over the previously unbeaten Ephs.

Three days later, she carried that momentum into an outstanding four-goal performance against the Lord Jeffs. Heritage also notched an assist, six ground balls and two draw controls in the contest. With Heritage's contributions, the Panthers move to first place in the NESCAC.



Softball takes both games against Skidmore

Middlebury Softball opened their home season with a pair of wins over the visiting Skidmore Thoroughbreds. The team played well in Tuesday's doubleheader, defeating Skidmore 9-3 and 8-0, to secure a 9-5 record. In the first game, Middlebury rode consistent offensive performances from Allison Bard '08, who contributed three hits in four at bats, and Brittney Burke '08, who added two hits and an RBI in the victory. Burke also made an impact from the mound as she notched the win.

In the second game the Panthers played even stronger, forcing an end to the contest after only five innings. After a four-run second inning, the Panthers continued to pour it on, with Kristin Maletsky '10 bringing in the final two runs off of a bases-loaded double.



Track and Field kicks off season at Springfield

The Middlebury track and field team was hard at work this past weekend. On the road at Springfield College, the Panthers squad registered first-place spots in several events. In the women's field, Beth Butler '07 (800 meter), Jennifer Katz '09 (200 meter), Mary Frederickson '07 (javelin) and Andrea Giddings '07 (steeplechase) all earned top spots. The rest of the field was littered with Panthers, with four second-place and four third-place finishes.

On the men's side, Jimmy Butcher '08 finished first in the 1500 meter, with Bruce Hallet '10 close behind in third. Robby Athan '10 grabbed second in the long jump and Will McDonough '07 came in third in the steeplechase. The Panthers will compete again this weekend at the Middlebury Invitational, which takes place on April 14.