It was a tough week for the Drexel softball team, as the Dragons went 1-4 and were swept by Georgia State University. Still, Drexel was able to push past Delaware State University in a closely contested game April 23. In addition to the games played this week, April 21 marked Senior Day, as the seniors were honored in their final Colonial Athletic Association home game.
The Dragons played a hard-fought game against Georgia State April 20 in the first game of a doubleheader. Tara Konopka got the start as pitcher and gave up two runs in the first inning. Drexel rallied back in the second inning, scoring four runs on four singles and two walks.
The Dragons could not hold off the Panthers, though, as GSU scored three runs in the fifth to take the lead. The Panthers then added a run in each of the next two innings for a three-run lead going into the bottom of the seventh.
Drexel started the seventh inning with a walk that quickly came around the bases after Maddison Timoteo crushed a ball over the left-field fence for a home run. With the stage set for a potential walk-off victory, the Dragons were unable to score another run and lost to GSU by a score of 7-6.
In the second game of the doubleheader, GSU put its foot on the gas pedal and never let up. The Panthers scored three runs in each of the first, second and sixth innings, which was more than enough to defeat Drexel 9-0. The Dragons got their first and only hit with one out remaining in the game to deny GSU’s Katie Worley the no-hitter.
Drexel’s struggles continued the following day, with the Dragons losing 9-0 once again to the Panthers. Drexel held the GSU offense to only one run through five innings. However, the Panthers gained three more runs early in the fifth and were able to score an additional five runs in the inning after Drexel committed two errors with two outs. Once again, the Dragons were able to muster only one hit against the tough GSU pitchers.
More important than the game itself was the honoring of Drexel’s seniors in their last CAA home game. Amanda Bachmann, Shyann Beach, Hanna Parrish and Jenn Reading were all honored before the game, receiving a well-deserved round of applause from those in attendance.
The Dragons played their last home game of the season against Delaware State April 23. Drexel was able to end its four-game losing streak with an exciting 3-2 victory over the Hornets.
Drexel got off to a rough start, allowing two runs in the top of the first inning, but the team was quick to respond in the bottom half of the inning. Parrish led off with a single, and after a walk by Maggy Fermo and a sacrifice bunt by Shelby Taylor, Timoteo came to the plate. Timoteo launched a ball down the right-field line that was caught in foul territory, but it was deep enough for Parrish to score from third on the sacrifice fly.
Konopka did not allow another run for the rest of the game, as she struck out four, allowing eight hits over six innings.
Drexel tied up the game in the third inning after Fermo was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Taylor bunted her over to second, and Timoteo came up once again with a runner in scoring position. Timoteo delivered as usual and shot a double down the third-base line, scoring Fermo from second to tie the game.
A bizarre play in the sixth allowed the Dragons to take the lead. With two outs and Jess O’Hara on third, DSU pitcher Stephanie Sarris threw a pitchout. Hornets catcher Sandy Hawthorne leaped and faked a throw down to third base. Third baseman Jordan Stamps acted as though the ball was overthrown, and O’Hara turned to break for the plate. When O’Hara realized Hawthorn still had the ball, she dove back to third. But this time, Hawthorne’s throw was actually overthrown, and O’Hara was able to score to give Drexel a 3-2 lead going into the last inning.
Taylor was put into the game as the closer. After a throwing error and a double, DSU had runners on second and third with one out. Taylor was able to get the Hornets’ Miranda Pedersen to foul off a bunt with two strikes and then forced a lineout to end the game for her first save of the season.
Drexel has a very important three-game series coming up this weekend against the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Drexel might have a chance to pass UNCW in the CAA standings as well as get its first win in the CAA. UNCW has struggled this season, and with only eight games remaining, Drexel needs a win in order to prove itself.
After the game April 28, the Dragons will rush back to Philadelphia to play Villanova University in a doubleheader April 30. Villanova has also struggled this season and will give Drexel a chance to improve its record, which currently stands at 13-32.