CLERMONT, Fla. - Union took down Oberlin, 9-3, but could not keep the momentum, falling to Willamette at Hancock Park on Monday afternoon.
Game One: Union 9, Oberlin 3
Senior Melody Kappel struck out two batters, only allowing seven hits and three runs (one earned).
Union's offense was powered by several key performances at the plate with senior Riley Callahan, sophomore Sam Rose, and junior Elizabeth Werner leading the way. Callahan had a standout performance going three for three with three runs scored, an RBI and a walk. Rose contributed two for five, scoring twice and driving in two runs. Werner also recorded two for five and added a run scored.
Oberlin was quick to get on the board in the first inning when Maya Means singled up the middle allowing Hailey Alspach to score a run.
After a scoreless second inning, Union applied offensive pressure in the third, scoring two runs. Rose singled, advanced to second on a throwing error by the pitcher, and moved to third, while Callahan advanced on the same error and scored an unearned run to tie the game at one.
Shortly after, with Rose on third base, first-year Amy FitzPatrick's ground out to first base allowed Rose to score an unearned run to give the Garnet Chargers a 2-1 lead.
Coming after a quiet fourth inning, Union added a run in the top of the fifth. Werner reached base on a fielder's choice. Junior Ellie Wintringer followed with a single, advancing Werner to third. Shortly after, with Werner in scoring position, senior Tatum Perkins popped up to first base, allowing Werner to score.
The Yoewomen tied up the game at the bottom of the fifth, scoring two runs. Wren Norris and Jess Friedman were able to reach the plate on a throwing error to tie the game at three.
However, the Garnet Chargers rebounded in the sixth inning scoring three runs to reclaim the lead. Senior Nahnny Sobetzko entered as a pinch hitter and delivered a clutch double to left center, advancing Callahan to third. Kappel then replaced Sobetzko as a pinch runner. Shortly after, Rose singled to right field to drive in Callahan while Kappel advanced to third. Kappel later crossed the plate on a passed ball to score an unearned run. Rose moved up to third and FitzPatrick reached first on a throwing error by Oberlin's shortstop while Rose was able to score another unearned run.
Union added three more runs to secure the 9-3 victory over the Yeowomen. Perkins reached base on a walk and advanced to second on a fielder's choice, aided by a fielding error by the second baseman. Sophomore Sophia Gomes then entered as a pinch runner and stole second, while Perkins moved to third on a throwing error by the third baseman. Callahan capitalized on the opportunity, hitting an infield single to the pitcher to drive in Perkins for an unearned run while Gomes advanced to third. Shortly after, Rose reached base on a shortstop error, allowing Gomes to cross the plate for another unearned run while Callahan advanced to third. Fitzpatrick then reached base on another shortstop error, bringing Callahan home for the third unearned run of the inning.
Game Two: Willamette 11, Union 1
After scoreless first two innings, Willamette broke through in the top of the third as Maris Pinheiro scored unearned on a throwing error.
Union also added a run in the third inning. Sophomore Sophia Gomes led off with a single up the middle. Shortly after, fellow sophomore Maddy Ewald reached first on a fielding error, allowing Gomes to advance to second. Sophomore Sam Rose then singled to right-center, moving Ewald to second and Gomes to third. On a fielder's choice, Rose advanced to second, Ewald moved to third, and Gomes crossed home plate to score.
However, the Bearcats added five more hits in the fourth inning. Mia Rogers hit a double to center field, allowing Desirae Hatfield to advance to third before scoring on a throwing error. Shortly after, Jenna Hopkins doubled to right field, driving in Rogers to make the score 3-1. Lauren Stube followed with a double to right-center, scoring Hopkins. Clara Woosley then crossed home plate on a fielding error, and Alexandra Richards reached first on a throwing error.
After a quiet fifth inning, Willamette added five more runs in the sixth to seal the 11-1 victory. Maggie Fleischmann singled to center field, bringing in Faith Collar and Hatfield. Stube then singled to center, driving in Rogers. Fleischmann later scored on a dropped fly ball, and Maggie Sawyer flied out to center field to bring in Jordan Cresswell.
First year Carra Cleaves took the loss for Union, surrendering six runs (three earned) over five innings. Junior Riley Jahnle entered in relief, pitching the final inning and allowed five runs (three earned).
Softball continues the Spring Games in Florida tomorrow (Tuesday) with a doubleheader against No. 6 Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a rematch against Oberlin. First pitch is set for 10:15 AM and 12:30 PM, respectively.
