Softball Can’t Get a Break

The Panthers started off the season strong, winning their first four games. Since then, however, they seemed to have lost their momentum. Spring break was supposed to be an opportunity for them to thrive and build off their success from the previous week, but it appears that their glory was rather short-lived, losing five of their seven spring break games in Florida. They struggled in the first half of the week, but they seemed to pull it together, winning two-thirds of the games in the last few days of their trip. 

Unfortunately, they were no more successful this weekend against Williams, who is undefeated in the conference. Williams has managed to beat Middlebury in every softball game that the schools have played against each other since 2015. Williams beat the girls by a wider margin than usual, 10-1 and 18-1 on Saturday and 11-1 on Sunday. Over the past few seasons, it has been typical for Williams to win by no more than 6 runs. Two of the three games only went to the 5th inning. That being said, the Panthers made some solid plays during their games. Captain Liza Tarr ’19 had a great weekend; she brought home the team’s only run by slamming in a home run during Saturday’s second game, and on Sunday, she stopped the Ephs from stealing bases. Rookie Sophia Marlino continues establish herself as an asset to the Panthers. On Saturday morning, her deep double allowed Sophie Bolinger ’22 to score the only run of the game. On Sunday morning, she scored in the first inning, the only completed run of the game. 

Before break softball was 4-0, but unfortunately, they’re now 6-8. The Panthers have high hopes for Wednesday against Keene State, who they haven’t played in the past several years. Keene State doesn’t seem to be having the best season either, as of Monday April 8, 2019, they’re 5-11.