Panther softball comes on strong at Hamilton

Author: Elissa Goeke

In contrast to last year's disappointing 1-2 outcome with Hamilton College, this year's trip to Hamilton proved a tremendous success for the Middlebury softball team this past weekend. The team improved their record to 12-9 after taking three straight games from Hamilton.

Several members of the team made significant contributions throughout the series, showing both the dominance and consistency of the Panthers. It was not a single player or even a small group that led Middlebury to win out this weekend; rather, it was the all-around great play of the team that brought victory. Important contributions were made by seniors, first-years and everyone in between, displaying the depth of the Panther's bench.

Friday's game set the tone for the weekend and was highlighted by the play of Co-captain Amelia Magistrali '09, Kelsey Chisholm '11, Emily Burbridge '11 and Geena Constantin '11. Magistrali accrued three hits and one RBI in the game.

Underclassmen, especially the sophomores, also stepped up on Friday, proving their importance to the team by performing well and supporting each other. Chisholm finished with three RBIs, including an important two-run double in the fifth inning. Burbridge earned two hits and also scored a two-run double in the fifth. Constantin displayed all-around impressive skill, earning two runs, and great play from the circle, pitching the first five innings and the seventh. She struck out six Hamilton players and allowed just one run on three hits.

"The underclassmen have been doing great filling in roles at catcher, pitcher and shortstop," said Nellie Wood '11. "The first-years, especially, have been stepping up. Our second half of the order has been very productive, too, which gives depth to our lineup."

Strong play continued into Saturday's doubleheader. The Panthers' top four hitters earned an impressive 17 runs in the two games. Ali McAnaney '11 pitched a shutout in the first game, stunning the Hamilton team and asserting Middlebury's dominance. McAnaney allowed only three hits and struck out six batters. Her shutout streak was extended for a total of 10 innings (including her pitching in the second game). In the first three innings of that contest, McAnaney allowed two hits and two walks. She was relieved by first-year Ashley Higgins '12, who earned her second win of the season.

Offensively, the second game was defined by the Panther's four-run fourth inning. Sophie Dorot's '10 two-run single with two outs sparked the team that inning.

The game ended with a nightcap but that did not affect the result for the Panthers as they proved themselves with an outcome of 7-2.

"I think we did a really good job of stringing together hits," said Wood. "When we had runners on base, we capitalized and left very few runners stranded. Amelia Magistrali did a great job in the lead-off spot getting on base."

Since Hamilton is also in the NESCAC West Division, these games improved the squad's outlook for the remainder of the season. The rankings after these games put Middlebury fourth in the West Division, but the upcoming games leave room for the Panthers to advance even more. The remaining series against Amherst at home on April 17 will end the regular season NESCAC play for the Panthers. The results of these games and the others played in the NESCAC West Division will determine whether Middlebury will advance to the conference playoffs.

Leadership from the two strong senior co-captains, Magistrali and Natalie Komrovsky '09, and consistent play throughout the rest of the season will be crucial for Middlebury to prove themselves in the conference playoffs and possibly the NCAA tournament come the postseason.