Softball Splits at La Verne on Last Day of California Swing

Scores:    

Williams 2, University of La Verne 1

University of La Verne 3, Williams 1

Location:  La Verne, CA

Records: Williams 11-5;  University of La Verne 12-10

The Short Story: 

The Ephs split a doubleheader for the fifth time this season, winning the opener 2-1 behind sixteen strikeouts from Sadie Leonard '26 and two runs scored by Alysa DeQuiroz '26.  The Ephs scored in the first inning on hits by DeQuiroz, Justine Dunaway '27 and Katie Blanch '27 and then again in the 3rd on a Blanch sacrifice fly to score DeQuiroz after a Sydney Fleming single.  La Verne came within one with a run in the sixth but coudn't complete the comeback. In game two it was the Ephs who had to battle from behind but they could only score one run in the 5th and left runners stranded in every inning.

Coach's Take: 

"This was not our best effort today. I don't mean simply that we didn't play well, but that we didn't give the game our best.  There were some strong performances, including Sadie with their eighth win and leadership at the bat from a number of players, notably Kayla Chang '25 at the top of our order. We're working hard and will continue to work to change the atmosphere and control the pace in the second games.  We have not scratched the surface of our abilities as a team and look forward to NESCAC play," said Eph head coach Coach Kris Herman.

Game 1

How it Happened 

• Leonard struck out 16 and gave up just three hits.
   
• Chang and DeQuiroz each had two hits and DeQuiroz scored both Eph runs.
   
• Katie Blanch '27 drove in both runs, with a single in the first and sacrifice fly in the 3rd.
   
• Leonard has had double digit strikeouts in all eight of their starts. thus far this season

Game 2

• The game was scoreless through 4 1/2 innings until LaVerne scored in the bottom of the 5th.
   
• In the top of the 6th Sidney Miller '26 had a two out double and was driven in by Aprill Medrano '28 two batters later.
   
• The Ephs outhit the Leopards eight to six but left eight runners in the contest.
   
• Chang, Miller, Medrano and Aleks Albert '28 each had two hits.
   
• Katie Blanch '27 pitched 6.2 innings and scattered six hits, striking out four and walking none.