SOFTBALL GOES 2-2 IN FIRST TWO DAYS OF FASTPITCH DREAMS CLASSIC

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - The Warriors split their first four games in the first two days of the Fastpitch Dreams Classic, winning their first two games in exciting fashion. Seniors Jayde Dominey-McLean and Alicia McConnell got off to strong starts statistically, combining for seven RBI and four runs.

MONDAY

VS. CHESTNUT HILL COLLEGE - W, 4-3

The season opener was a thriller for the Warriors, who were down 3-0 all the way until the final inning, where the Warriors scored four runs and got a massive stop on the defensive side. Newcomer Caroline O'Donohue led Rochester with two hits and one RBI, while Dominey-McLean and junior Payton Parrish logged the other three RBIs.

The first two innings were sluggish for both teams, as Rochester only had three players - O'Donohue, McConnell, and freshman Isabella Asai - get on base. The Warriors fielded well during those innings, getting instant outs thanks to excellent fielding from O'Donohue.

Things took a bad turn for the Warriors in the third inning, as the team was quickly taken out before conceding three runs to the Griffins. The hitting continued to be a struggle for the Warriors, who did not get another base hit until left fielder Jessica Laird doubled in the sixth inning. Fortunately, the Warriors kept their composure on the field and didn't concede another run.

The bottom of the sixth featured a pivotal moment in the game's momentum; with two players on base for the Griffins and one out, Dominey-McLean fielded a ground ball and zipped it to Parrish for a double-play to force the Griffins out.

That play paved the way for the Warriors' spectacular seventh inning. After being walked, McConnell stole second base before advancing to third off a single by junior Jaya Forti. Dominey-McLean cracked a double to third to run in McConnell and Forti. Parrish hit another double on the next at-bat to give McLean the tying run.

The Warriors weren't done yet, as Parrish advanced to third on a fielder's choice before O'Donohue singled to get the go-ahead score. The top of the seventh ended on a pop-out, and it all came down to one final stand.

It was not looking good for the red and black to start the final inning, as two Chestnut Hill players immediately got on base to threaten the Warriors' lead. A walk loaded the bases with only one out, but freshman pitcher Rachael Winkel and the infield got the job done, forcing a popout and strikeout to seal the deal.

VS. PENN ST.-BEAVER - W, 12-9

A dominant first inning paved the way for the Warriors' second win of the season against Penn St.-Beaver. Rochester scored seven runs early to capture a commanding lead. The Nittany Lions did get scores to challenge the lead, but the Warriors responded with more runs and phenomenal fielding to end the game.

After Laird, Dominey-McLean, and junior Kylee Dillard secured three quick outs, the Warriors had a field day in the first inning. The Warriors immediately loaded up the bases before two singles from Forti and Dominey-McLean advanced O'Donohue, McConnell, and Asai home. Junior Madelyn Latham followed up with a triple to reward Dominey-McLean with a run home.

Dillard added to the scoring with another single before advancing home on a walk to score Rochester's final run of the inning. The second inning was a bit of a scare for the Warriors, as the team gave up four runs. However, Forti and Dillard made big plays at-bat to help quell some of the Nittany Lions' momentum with two runs.

The Nittany Lions scored four unanswered to stay in the fight, but the Warriors had another crucial response in the bottom of the fifth to stay firmly ahead. Laird, Asai, and O'Donohue loaded the bases to set up a three RBI double to center field for McConnell.

The Warriors gave up one more run in the seventh but put things away after O'Donohue fielded a ground ball to first base to finish it.

TUESDAY

VS. MALONE - L, 2-3

The Warriors would lose a close one to Malone to start Tuesday's games, with both teams locked in on the defensive side. Emma Cronkright got in on the scoring action in this one, scoring the Warriors' lone RBI.

The Warriors found themselves down early after giving up an RBI double in the bottom of the first. To tie things up in the second, Dillard nailed a triple to right field, preparing Cronkright for an RBI single to right field. The Pioneers didn't let the tie last long, scoring two more runs in the bottom of the second after a triple of their own.

After an uneventful third and fourth inning stretch by both teams, the Warriors put themselves in a position to attempt to tie the game in the fifth thanks to great baserunning by Asai. The freshman reached first by error before getting to third later by fielder's choice. To the delight of the Warrior dugout, Asai stole home to bring the game to 3-2.

In the bottom of the fifth, pitcher Chloe Wolfe entered the game with the bases loaded. The junior clutched up in a big way, forcing two outs to help Rochester escape the inning. However, the Warriors' momentum ran out from there, with the team unable to score runs in the final two innings to change the outcome.

VS. BAKER (KS) - L, 0-8

In Tuesday's final game, the Warriors had a tough outing, falling to Baker (KS) in an 8-0 shutout. The hitting was a struggle, with junior Audrey Soares getting the Warriors' lone hit during the contest.

Both teams were scoreless in the first two innings, where both teams made quick work of one another in the outfield. However, in the third inning, things began to fall apart for the Warriors, with a run given up by a sacrifice fly.

The fourth inning wasn't fun, as Baker scored six runs, including a three-run home run to left field. Two more runs for Baker put the game away in the fifth inning, as Rochester could not find an answer.

STAT OF THE GAMES

It's all about balance for the Warriors, with nine players recording RBIs during the first four games of their spring trip.

UP NEXT

The Warriors take a break on Wednesday before returning to action on Thursday, beginning at 9 a.m., to play Penn St.-Mt. Alto and a rematch with Penn St.-Beaver.

Hussein Murray - RU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Hanna Swanson - RU Athletics