From University of Chicago Athletics
Offensive fireworks were the story of the day as the University of Chicago softball team blew past Buffalo State College and Clarkson University on Wednesday.
The Maroons improved their record to 6-2 on the spring trip.
Game One – UChicago 10, Buffalo State 1
UChicago came out swinging and ended the game in five innings via the eight-run rule. The Maroons tallied four runs in the first inning, four in the third and two in the fifth.
For the second time this season, sophomore outfielder Maeve Garvey went 4-for-4 at the plate. She smacked three doubles and drove in three RBI. Garvey kicked off the scoring with a RBI double as the third batter of the game. A Buffalo State error brought in two runs, and sophomore shortstop Colleen Bennett made it 4-0 with a bases-loaded single.
In the third inning, UChicago was extra aggressive on the base paths, stealing four bases. Senior second base Anna Woolery singled in two runs and Garvey's single right afterwards brought Woolery home.
Two runs in the fifth inning closed out the scoring. Another Buffalo State error allowed sophomore outfielder Serena Mossto score from second base. Garvey came through once again with a RBI double. Sophomore pitcher Jordyn Prussak then entered the game and closed out the bottom of the fifth in order.
UChicago compiled 12 hits and five stolen bases in the contest. Alongside Garvey's stellar hitting performance, Woolery went 3-for-4 with two RBI.
Freshman pitcher Megan Stoppelman (1-0) picked up her first collegiate victory with four innings of work. She struck out four with one unearned run and three hits.
Game Two – UChicago 9, Clarkson 1
Garvey brought her scorching bat to game two as well, pounding two more doubles and going 3-for-4 overall. Once again, her RBI double opened the scoring in the top of the first inning. She then crossed home plate after an error on freshman outfielder Christie Ambrose's stolen base attempt.
Woolery got in on the act with a RBI double in the third inning – part of her 4-for-4 showing at the plate. UChicago subsequently loaded the bases with no outs, but a pair of fielder's choices cut down the runners at home and a third groundout concluded the inning with the score standing at 3-0.
Undeterred, the Maroons kept piling on with two runs in the fifth and four runs in the sixth to end the game early. Freshman designated player Danielle Allen knocked in two runs with a single to make it 5-0. A sixth-inning error brought Moss in to score, then Garvey smacked another RBI double to center field. Ambrose and Allen both collected RBI singles at 9-0.
Clarkson scored once in the bottom of the sixth, but UChicago starting pitcher Molly Moran got the final out immediately afterwards. The junior improved her record to 2-1 on the season with six innings pitched. She struck out two while allowing one run on four hits.
The Maroons tied their season high with 17 hits. Woolery and Garvey combined to go 7-for-8 with three doubles and three RBI. Ambrose hit 3-for-4 with one run knocked in. Allen (three RBI), Moss and sophomore first base Carly Schulz all went 2-for-4.