Release courtesy of Swarthmore Athletic Communications
ASHLAND, VA. - Competing in the final series of the NCAA Ashland Regional, the Swarthmore softball team fell twice at the hands of No. 10 Randolph-Macon College, losing to the Yellow Jackets 4-0 in game one and 3-0 in game two.
Offensively, the Garnet were led by senior Cassidy Cheong in game one, and sophomore Emily Bertrand in game two. Cheong notched Swarthmore's only hit in the first contest, while Bertrand put up two hits in the second.
From the circle, Swarthmore saw excellent performances out of first year Lane Barron and sophomores Sarah Schab and Molly O'Sullivan. Schab pitched 5.2 innings over two games, allowing just six hits while striking out two batters. O'Sullivan proved lethal from the mound in game one, conceding only three hits over three innings, while Barron led the way in game two with just one hit and two strikeouts over 3.2 innings.
For their excellent play throughout the regional round, Bertrand, senior Brooke Coneeny and first year Iris Barone were all named to the All-Tournament Team.
The most successful team in Swarthmore softball history, the 2023 Garnet end the season with a 26-18 record, having secured the program's first ever Centennial Conference Title, first ever NCAA Tournament Berth and first ever NCAA win.
HOW IT HAPPENED - Game One (L, 4-0)
- Randolph-Macon struck early, putting up four runs in the top of the first to go up 4-0 on the Garnet.
- Despite the early success, the Yellow Jackets would find themselves stifled by a stalwart Garnet defense. Over the next six innings, the duo of Schab and O'Sullivan allowed just five hits, none of which resulted in additional runs for Randolph-Macon.
- Unfortunately, Swarthmore's offense could not match their defensive production, tallying just one hit when Cheong singled in the bottom of the fourth.
- The Garnet were not without their chances to put runs on the board. Thanks to Cheong's hit, Swarthmore had runners on first and second with just one out in the fourth. However, they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity, closing out the inning with a flyout and a strikeout.
GARNET OFFENSIVE LEADERS
Hits: Cheong (1)
GARNET PITCHING LEADERS
Schab: 2 H, 0 ER, 2 SO, 3.2 IP
O'Sullivan: 3 H, 0 ER, 3.0 IP
HOW IT HAPPENED - Game Two (L, 3-0)
- Following the same pattern as game number one, Randolph-Macon put up all their runs in the first inning, jumping out to an early 3-0 lead over the Garnet.
- However, the Yellow Jackets were once again shut out through the rest of the contest, tallying just four hits over the next six innings and no runs thanks to shutout pitching from Schab and Barron.
- While having more success than the first game, notching a total of six hits, the Garnet's offense still had no luck bringing runners home.
- Not without their opportunities, in the top of the sixth thanks to an excellent bunt from Barone and a Cheong single, the Garnet found themselves with runners on first and second with two outs to spare. While a fielder's choice from junior Alexandra Simon gave Randolph-Macon their second out, a line drive into center field from sophomore Olivia McClammy loaded the bases, presenting Swarthmore a prime opportunity to cut into their deficit. Unfortunately, a popup from senior Kate Hart ended the inning, leaving all three runners stranded.
GARNET OFFENSIVE LEADERS
Hits: Bertrand (2), Barone (1), Cheong (1), McClammy (1), Coneeny (1)
GARNET PITCHING LEADERS
Schab: 4 H, 0 ER, 2.0 IP
Barron: 1 H, 0 ER, 2 SO, 3.2 IP