Softball
The Rams split a Wednesday doubleheader with Maine, first being shelled for nine runs in a shutout, and then producing a frenzied offensive performance of their own in a thrilling second game in which they came back and scored three runs to earn the victory in walkoff fashion.
Caitlin Kennedy continued her slump on the mound, giving up four runs over six innings, and was not helped by defensive miscues which accounted for Maine’s five other runs. The game as a whole was sloppy as the two teams combined for five errors, but Rhode Island was unable to capitalize on their opponents mistakes.
The second game saw a much needed offensive rejuvenation for the Rams, but the pitching and defensive woes persisted in a game that featured plenty of drama late in a game that the Rams will surely hope is a momentum builder going forward.
Rhode Island continued their trend of falling behind late, as freshman starter Julia Waraksy was hit hard, allowing seven runs, five earned in 3.1 innings. Her teammates picked her up though, as they scored seven runs, including a big inning in the fifth, which made the score tied going into the sixth inning. Taylor Archer, Ali Summers and Olivia Hendricks each had three hits, and Paige Julich went yard and drove in a game-high three runs.
Maine fired back with two runs in the top half of the sixth, again putting pressure on a team that had recently been hard pressed for run support. Trailing 9-7 in the seventh inning, Rhode Island was all over pither Erin Bogdanovich. Sophomore catcher Madi Housel led off the inning with a double, and was replaced by pinch runner Brianna Heller, who was then doubled in by Julich. The run continued until they tied the score at nine. Summers became the hero of the day when she singled to left field with one out, bringing home Marylynn Muldowney for the game-winning run, capping off the momentous comeback.
Women’s Track and Field
The women’s track and field team began the outdoor season this past weekend in the Raleigh Relays at North Carolina State University, where several athletes posted noteworthy results and personal bests where the team looks to build off their indoor success.
Sophomore Karlee Fowler was among the standouts, as her clearance of 3.50 meters in the pole vault earned her second place in the event and a mark that ranks sixth in program history. The University of Rhode Island earned another runner-up finish in the 1600 sprint medley with a team comprised of senior Keiko Hector, juniors Briana Robitaille and Dyshelle Pemberton and freshman Nichole Barger. Pemberton also took sixth in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1:01.87, which is fifth fastest in URI history.
Women’s Tennis
The women’s tennis team continued their downward spiral last week during their Florida road trip, as they were blanked for the fourth and fifth straight times by Fordham and Florida Atlantic and suffered another one-sided defeat on Thursday at Bethune-Cookman, 6-1, extending their losing streak to seven.
Elizaveta Sadovnikova earned the team’s lone match victory, winning in straight sets (6-4, 6-4). No other Ram was able to clinch a set during the entire road trip, but in doubles action the duo of juniors Taylor Holden and Anna Peacock defeated Florida Atlantic, 7-6. They will attempt to end the drought against Sacred Heart University later today.