<rleton College softball team gave No. 16 University of St. Thomas all it could handle in the opener, with the Tommies eventually rallying for a 3-2 walkoff victory. The momentum carried over to game two as St. Thomas grabbed the early lead and posted a 9-0 (5 inn.) win to complete the sweep and extend its home-field winning streak to 37 games.
Behind run-scoring hits by Micaela LaRose ‘15 and Jenny Ramey ‘14 Carleton built a 2-0 lead in game one. The visitors maintained the advantage until the fourth inning when a two-run double by McKenzie Wergin knotted the score. Unfortunately, the Knights would not see another lead the rest of the game.
Keelin Davis ‘16, who pitched fantastically for the Knights, did her best to keep the hosts in check, and it appeared the contest was headed for extra innings. With two out in the bottom of the seventh, St. Thomas (23-5, 10-0 MIAC) loaded the bases on a walk and a pair of singles. Emily Gregory’s blooper then dropped between the shortstop and the outfielders to chase home the winning run, completing the Tommies’ comeback.
A seven-run second inning ensured that game two would not have the same drama as the opener. Another walkoff hit, this one a two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth, ended the game due to the eight-run mercy rule.
Ramey had three of the eight hits on the day for Carleton (10-13, 5-5 MIAC).
A doubleheader versus Gustavus scheduled for April 18 was postponed for a week, and a rescheduled doubleheader slated for Saturday, April 20 at Bethel University has also been postponed due to the rough wintry weather.
As it stands now, the Carleton softball team’s next scheduled game is set for Sunday, April 21. If the weather cooperates, the 21st will feature a matchup for the Knights on the road at St. Mary’s. Carleton (once again weather permitting) will then return home on Thursday, April 25 to make-up the Gustavus games.