Softball Challenges in Florida Doubleheader

Links: Box Score (Game 1) | Box Score (Game 2)
 
MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. – Merrimack softball kicked off its stretch of Florida play on Friday afternoon, challenging Niagara before getting edged out late by Holy Cross to finish out the day.
 
The Basics
Score: Game 1: Merrimack 1, Niagara 9 | Final
Score: Game 2: Merrimack 2, Holy Cross 3 | Final
Records: Merrimack Warriors (2-0, 0-0 NEC) | Niagara Purple Eagles (2-1, 0-0 MAAC) | Holy Cross Crusaders (3-9, 0-0 Patriot)
Location: R.O.C. Park | Madeira Beach, Fla.

Rapid Recap (Game One)

• Niagara worked the game's opening hit with a double, leaving two stranded after a two out walk to keep teams scoreless. The Purple Eagles added their second double of the day in the second, but the Warriors defense stepped up with the bases loaded for fly balls to left and center before closing out with a pop to first.
• In the top of the third, Niagara took the lead with five runs on five hits. The Eagles put up three singles and two doubles, with Katelyn Thompson coming in as a relief pitcher midway through the inning. The visitors added another run
• In the sixth, the top of the order continued to build momentum with Courtney Lanpher slapping a single to center. Sarah Reisler followed behind her with a single to left for two on and no outs. Rookie Ellen Hubbard doubled to left bringing in Lanpher and Reisler with the first runs of her career. Hubbard's efforts forced a pitching change, Wike singled to right to bring in Hubbard for the game's final run. 

 
 
Rapid Recap (Game Two)

• A pair of singles in the first kickstarted the work for the Warriors, but Reisler and Wike were left on base. Pitcher Madie Fornwalt responded with two ground outs and a strike out to keep Holy Cross of the board in the first.
• The Crusaders got on the board in the bottom of the second. A single and passed ball put a runner in scoring position, working two on with a walk. A single to center brought in one run, with a throwing error bringing in the runner from first.
• Merrimack started their rally in the sixth, as rookie Ellen Hubbard singled to center for the first runner on. Jenna Wike got on base with a single to left for two on, with Catherine Kingman coming in for Wike on the bases. Fornwalt send a short single that fell between home and first, holding fair to bring in Hubbard and putting runners on the corners.
• Danielle Carmody pinch hit, with Fornwalt hustling on the bases to put two in scoring position. An error at short brought Kingman in as the tying run, bringing Fornwalt to third. The poor throw brought Carmody to second before a strikeout ended the inning with the game tied.
• Holy Cross came away with the winning run in the bottom of the sixth. Back-to-back singles with two outs put runners on for the Crusaders, before a walk loaded the bases. A single to short led to a close play at the plate that was called safe, before a strikeout and groundout ended the inning.
• Merrimack tried to rally once again, with Madison Medeiros working a pinch hit single to first, with Nicole Koshes as a pinch runner. Courntey Lanpher worked a walk to put two on, before Hubbard added a one-out single to short advancing Koshes to third. A ground ball quashed the comeback and ended the game.

 
 
Notes and Numbers

• Game 1: WP – Riley Crum (1-0) | LP- Bry Michitson (1-1)
• Game 2: WP – Kelly Nelson (2-8) | LP – Madie Fornwalt (2-5)

 
Up Next:
The Warriors will continue competition in Florida against Siena College. Game time may adjust due to impending weather.
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