LA VERNE, Cali. – The Williams College softball team swept their doubleheader against the University of La Verne on Monday afternoon. The Ephs opened its doubleheader with a 2-1 victory over the Leopards, followed by a 5-0 shutout in game two.
Game One
La Verne struck first in the second inning, using an RBI single to take a 1-0 lead.
The Ephs responded in the fourth, as
Sidney Miller launched her first solo home run of the season to right field to even the score at 1-1.
Williams broke through in the seventh inning, as
Lauren Davis delivered a clutch single to left field, bringing home
Emily Borrazzo to give the Ephs a 2-1 advantage.
On the mound, senior pitcher Leonard was dominant, tossing a complete game while allowing just one run on seven hits over seven innings. Leonard struck out 13 and walked two, throwing 118 pitches in the effort.
With their performance in the circle, Leonard surpassed 800 career strikeouts, continuing to extend their program record. The milestone further separates Leonard from the next closest pitcher in program history, who recorded 446 career strikeouts.
Leonard and the Ephs closed out the game in the final frame to secure the 2-1 victory.
Game Two
In game two, Williams used an early offensive surge to power past its opponent, 5-0, in game two of the doubleheader.
The Ephs got on the board in the first inning as
Katie Blanch doubled to left center to drive in
Miya Fujimoto for the early 1-0 lead.
Williams broke the game open in the third inning, as Miller came around to score on a wild pitch before
Lauren Davis executed a bunt that resulted in a fielder's choice, bringing home two runs to extend the lead to 4-0.
The Ephs continued to add on in the inning, as
Aprill Medrano singled through the right side to drive in another run, pushing the advantage to 5-0.
In the circle, Blanch delivered a dominant complete-game performance, tossing seven shutout innings while allowing just four hits. Blanch struck out six and walked one, throwing 101 pitches in the effort.
Williams returns to action tomorrow for the final doubleheader of its spring break trip in California, taking on Occidental College with first pitch set for 11:00 a.m. (PT).
