North Myrtle Beach, SC - Northern Vermont University-Lyndon rallied from a five run deficit to defeat Massachusetts Maritime Academy and complete a sweep of their season opening softball doubleheader at the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic. The Hornets' 12-9 victory followed a 12-6 win in the opener.
Game 1 - NVU-Lyndon 12, Mass Maritime 6
The Hornets plated six runs in the top of the first inning and never looked back. Audrey Tembreull's (Vergennes, VT) two-run, two-out triple was the big blow of the inning. Amber Everett (Morrisville, VT) and Blake Southworth (Bethel, VT) had two hits apiece for Lyndon. Victoria Valentine (Burke, VT) reached base safely three times and scored three runs. Kelsey Booker had a pair of hits and Ab'c'de Patane scored twice for the Buccaneers.
Valentine went the distance in the circle to get the win for Lyndon. She scattered four hits and allowed three earned runs while striking out a pair. Jennamarie Klemp started and took the loss for Mass Maritime.
Game 2 - NVU-Lyndon 12, Mass Maritime 9
With the game tied at 2-2, the Buccaneers put five runs on the board in the top of the fifth inning to take the lead. The Hornets rallied with six rund of their own in the bottom half of the inning. With the bases loaded, Riann Fortin (Derby, VT) doubled down the right field line, clearing the bases and pulling the Hornets back within 7-6. Adriana Lemieux (St. Johnsbury, VT) and Ann Watkins (Los Angeles, CA) followed with run scoring hits to give the Hornets the lead. The Hornets would hold off the Buccaneers the rest of the way.
Fortin had five runs batted in to lead the Lyndon attack. Southworth had a pair of hits, including a triple, and two RBIs. Watkins was 3/4 at the plate and scored twice. Abby Pope and Erin Donlan had three hits apiece for Mass Maritime.
Hannah Corvino (Milford, NJ) came on to pitch 2.1 innings of relief and pick up the win for the Hornets. Klemp started and took the loss for the Buccaneers.
The Hornets continue play at the Fastpitch Dreams Classic on Saturday afternoon. They will play a pair of exhibition games against National Junior College Athletic Association schools, first Brunswick Community College at 10:00 am, then the University of South Carolina Sumter at noon.