WASHINGTON, Pa. - La Roche softball traveled to face W&J on Monday for a non-conference doubleheader, but were unable to get past the Presidents in either matchup.
GAME ONE: W&J 8 LRU 0 F/6
The Redhawks struggled offensively throughout the contest, managing just three hits against a strong outing from Washington & Jefferson pitcher Kaylee Witner. Brooke Murgenovich, Rachel Malatok, and Iyarah Hicks each recorded a hit, but La Roche could not string together enough offense to threaten, finishing with just two runners left on base.
Washington & Jefferson set the tone early, scoring three runs in the first inning. A mix of timely hitting and a La Roche error allowed the home team to jump out to a quick lead. The Redhawks were unable to respond in the following innings, as Witner kept the lineup off balance and worked efficiently through six scoreless frames.
The Presidents added to their lead in the third inning. A run-scoring double followed by a two-run home run extended the margin to 6–0, putting La Roche in a difficult position midway through the game.
Despite the deficit, Taylor Young worked through the lineup and kept competing in the circle. She went 5.1 innings, allowing eight runs (seven earned) on 11 hits. Defensive miscues behind her, including three errors, contributed to extended innings and added pressure.
Washington & Jefferson tacked on two more runs in the sixth inning to close out the scoring and secure the run-rule victory.
GAME TWO: W&J 5 LRU 0
The Redhawks showed more consistency at the plate than in the previous matchup, collecting four hits, but were unable to convert those opportunities into runs. Maura Wade led the way with a strong performance, going 2-for-3 with a double, while Cassidee Fitterer and Finley Hohn each added a hit. Despite putting the ball in play, La Roche left five runners on base and couldn't find the timely hit.
In the circle, Klover Haberthier delivered a solid effort, going the distance while allowing five runs—only four earned—on nine hits. She worked through multiple innings of pressure and kept the Redhawks within striking distance for much of the game.
Washington & Jefferson opened the scoring in the second inning, using a sacrifice fly to take a 1–0 lead. La Roche's defense held firm over the next inning, but the Presidents added another run in the fourth, aided by a defensive error that allowed a run to cross the plate.
Trailing 2–0, the Redhawks still had opportunities to respond, but Washington & Jefferson pitcher Braelyn Altman kept La Roche off balance, tossing a complete-game shutout without issuing a walk.
The Presidents extended their lead in the fifth with an RBI single, and then created separation in the sixth inning with a two-run hit to make it 5–0.