After a series cancellation against University Athletic Association (UAA) Conference opponent Washington University in St. Louis due to inclement weather, Brandeis softball played a double-header against local team Wellesley University on Wednesday, April 3.
The game cancellations in St. Louis ensured the softball team’s perfect 10-0 record going into the games against Wellesley on Wednesday, and they looked to use their momentum to propel them to a couple more wins.
Wellesley hosted the Judges in their first away game since February. Home field advantage didn’t seem to help the Wellesley Blue in the first game, as the Judges held onto a steady lead throughout the game, closing it out in seven innings. Brandeis consolidated on four one-run innings to trump the home team 4-2.
The game lacked any big hits, with no home runs from either team. Right fielder Bridget Cifuni ’21 captured the most plate touches, earning two runs for the Judges. Short-stop Jolie Fujita ’21 played the most consistent offensive game for the Judges, achieving three hits at just four at-bats.
Scottie Todd ’21 pitched a winning game in the first game of the day, pitching seven full innings against 30 total at-bats.
The second game of the day was much tighter and resulted in Brandeis’ first tie of the season. Going a total of nine innings, the two teams kept the score neck-and-neck throughout the entire game.
Both teams secured runs in the first inning of the game, but Wellesley was the first to pull definitively ahead with a four-run third inning. The lead did not remain long, as the Judges answered with a four-run inning in their next at-bat.
The score remained tied at 5-5 throughout the next three scoreless innings until the Judges secured two runs in the top of the eighth to go up 7-5. Offensive came up clutch with RBIs from Fujita and second baseman Brianna Urena ’20.
Brandeis’ defense failed to consolidate on the offensive push, however, and ultimately dropped two runs in the bottom of the eighth as two hitters scored RBIs on a groundout and single. The game was called a tie after the ninth inning due to darkness.
The Judges embark on another away series against UAA conference opponent NYU. They will play a four-game series beginning on Friday, April 5. The Judges are also set to play Clark University in a two-game series on Tuesday, April 9.
