Owings Mills, Md. (April 11) – The Stevenson Mustangs softball team honored Military Appreciation Day with a hard-fought split against Widener in MAC Commonwealth action on Saturday afternoon, rallying for a 6–4 victory in Game 1 before dropping a 7–3 decision in Game 2.
Game 1:
Stevenson wasted no time getting on the board, capitalizing on early opportunities in the first inning. After
Sahara Ward reached and advanced into scoring position,
Ava Stafursky delivered an RBI triple to center field to open the scoring.
Emily Hamp followed with an RBI single in the same spot to give the Mustangs a 2–0 lead.
Widener responded in the second inning with a two-run double to even the score, and then took a 4–2 advantage in the third behind timely hitting. The Mustangs answered right back, cutting the deficit to 4–3 after
Rebecca Maiorano came around to score on a fielder's choice.
The turning point came in the bottom of the fourth inning. Stevenson tied the game at 4–4 when
Olivia Munoz crossed the plate on a failed pickoff attempt. Moments later, Maiorano came through in the clutch with a two-run triple to right field, scoring both
Maria Morsa and Ward to give Stevenson a 6–4 lead.
From there, the Mustangs' pitching took over.
Lilly Tinker (2-0) was dominant in relief, tossing 4.1 scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and striking out one to earn the win.
Anna Sexton started the game, going 2.2 innings with two strikeouts.
At the plate, Stevenson was led by Maiorano with two RBIs, while Stafursky and Hamp each contributed key hits and RBIs. Ward added two runs scored to pace the offense.
Game 2:
Widener jumped out to an early lead in the opening inning, capitalizing on a pair of unearned runs to take a 2-0 advantage. The Pride added to their lead in the third inning with a three-run frame, stretching the margin to 5-0.
Stevenson responded in the bottom of the third, getting on the board as
Mykaela Getz came around to score following a defensive miscue, cutting the deficit to 5-1. The Mustangs continued to battle and found their rhythm in the fifth inning. After Maiorano reached base and
Mya Lamp came around to score, Hamp delivered a clutch two-RBI single up the middle to bring Stevenson within two runs at 5-3.
Widener added insurance runs in the seventh inning, but Stevenson continued to fight until the final out, leaving multiple runners on base and threatening late.
Maiorano led the offensive effort with a strong 3-for-4 performance at the plate, while Hamp paced the Mustangs with two RBI. Stevenson totaled eight hits in the contest and worked six walks, consistently putting pressure on the Widener defense.
In the circle,
Ky Vaughn (2-3) got the start, tossing three innings, while Sexton provided solid relief with four strikeouts over 3.2 innings of work.
Madison Statuto closed out the game for the Mustangs.
The Mustangs will return to action on Wednesday, April 15, when they host Salisbury for a non-conference doubleheader, with first pitches scheduled for 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
