AMHERST, MA — And on the 7th day, the Cardiac Ephs rested.
In their sted, a team in control from the first batter of the game, as the Williams College softball team scored seven times in the opening frame en route to an 8-0 shutout of NESCAC West rival Amherst in a game ended after 5 innings because of the 8-run mercy rule. With the victory, Williams improved to 9-0 overall and 9-0 in NESCAC West play. The Ephs conclude their regular season with a three-game set against Wesleyan University next Saturday and Sunday, with the Saturday doubleheader in Middletown and the Sunday single game scheduled to be played in Williamstown.
The Ephs had 11 hits in the win, led by senior
Kirstin Mapes who went 3 for 3 with two home runs and 3 RBI.
Cris McElhinney went 2 for 3 with an RBI and run scored and
Jenny Hickey was 2 for 3 with a run scored. First-year
Madison Mok tossed a three-hit shutout.
Mara Kipnis ignited the Ephs big first inning when she was hit by a pitch. Kelly McGuigan followed with a double to right center.
Gabi Cirigliano scored Kipnis with a sacrifice fly prior to Mapes smashing her first home rn of the day, a two-run shot to left-center field.
Bailey Burger-Moore kept things rolling by drawing a walk. Hickey then doubled for the second game in a row to put runners on second and third.
Adhya Tandon was hit by a pitch to load the bases for McElhinney, who singled to right to make it 4-0. With two outs, Kipnis rapped a drive into right-center, clearing the bases for a three-run double and 7-0 lead.
Mapes closed the scoring with a solo home run to center in the fourth inning, her third round-tripper of the season.
