CEDARVILLE, OH & NORTH CANTON, OH: The Walsh University softball team endured a weekend of highs and lows as they faced Cedarville University on March 28 and Lake Erie College on March 30 in a pair of doubleheaders. The Cavaliers struggled in Cedarville, dropping both games to the Lady Jackets, but rebounded impressively at home with a sweep of Lake Erie. Walsh finished the weekend with a 2-2 record, improving their overall standing in the G-MAC.
The first doubleheader against Cedarville proved challenging for Walsh, as the Cavaliers were shut out 5-0 in the opener and fell 9-1 in the second game. Cedarville's pitching staff controlled both games, limiting Walsh to just five hits across the two contests. Despite strong efforts from Madi Russo and Lindsey Bingham in game one, Walsh couldn't find their offensive rhythm. In game two, Sydney Becks scored Walsh's lone run on a sacrifice fly by Ava Littin, but Cedarville's bats exploded for five runs in the fifth inning to end the game via mercy rule.
Returning home to face Lake Erie, Walsh showed resilience and determination. In game one, Chloe Sayre delivered a dominant performance on the mound, throwing a complete-game shutout with seven strikeouts while allowing only two hits. Madi Russo led the offense with three RBIs, including a double in the first inning that scored Danielle Stewart. Walsh's defense was sharp, committing just one error en route to a 5-0 victory.
Game two against Lake Erie was a closer affair, with Walsh edging out a 2-1 win. Leah Musall scored the decisive run in the sixth inning on an RBI single by Madi Russo. Danielle Lude contributed an RBI single in the second inning to give Walsh an early lead. Maci Smythe was outstanding on the mound, pitching a complete game and recording a career-high 10 strikeouts while allowing just one unearned run. Smythe's ability to work out of jams and keep Lake Erie's hitters off balance was key to securing the win.
Walsh's next games will be a doubleheader against West Liberty University on April 2 at the WU Softball Complex in North Canton, OH. The first game is scheduled for 2:00 P.M., followed by the second game at 4:00 P.M.Â
LOCATION: Lady Jacket Field (Cedarville, OH) & WU Softball Complex (North Canton, OH)
GAME SCORES:
Cedarville Series:
Game 1: Cedarville 5, Walsh 0
Game 2: Cedarville 9, Walsh 1
Lake Erie Series:
Game 1: Walsh 5, Lake Erie 0
Game 2: Walsh 2, Lake Erie 1
RECORD: Walsh (8-16, 4-6 G-MAC), Cedarville (11-18, 6-2 G-MAC), Lake Erie (1-29)
FOR THE CAVS IN GAME 1 VS. CEDARVILLE:
FOR THE CAVS IN GAME 2 VS. CEDARVILLE:
FOR THE CAVS IN GAME 1 VS. LAKE ERIE:
FOR THE CAVS IN GAME 2 VS. LAKE ERIE:
