Courtesy of Brian Beard

Last weekend, the softball team (12–14; 1–9 NESCAC) picked up its first conference win of the year on the road versus Amherst College (12–13; 3–7 NESCAC).

The first game was an offensive back-and-forth, yet the Polar Bears ultimately lost 8–12. Bowdoin scored in the first inning, when Chloe Garcia ’26 hit a two run single down the right field line to score Sydney Lang ’25 and Anika Ewert ’26.

The Mammoths countered with four runs in the bottom half of the inning. However Elise Sicilanio ’27 then hit a two-run home run to left field, tying the game at 4–4 in the second inning. Going into the fifth, the Polar Bears were down 4–9 but quickly scored four runs in their half of the inning thanks to Lang’s three-run home run to left, yet it was still not enough to cut the deficit. On the mound, Maddie Current ’26 started the game, pitching three innings, allowing ten hits while striking out one batter. Ava Biasotti ’26 came in for the remaining four innings, giving up four hits.

As a senior on the team, Kyla Gary ’25 has experienced ups and downs in her collegiate career. Remarking on this season, Gary has full confidence in her team’s ability to win any game.

“It’s a bummer about sports records—either it’s a win or loss—but a lot of great stuff that happened in the game gets lost,” Gary said. “We’re a very talented team, and we truly believe that we can win these games, even if some of them haven’t come out on our side.”

The second game also got the bats going in the Polar Bears’ half of the first inning, with Garcia again scoring a pair of runs before coming to the plate after a series of errors by Amherst. Four more runs were added in the second inning via a Gary two-run double to left center field, a Siciliano triple and a Garcia double.

As the lead-off batter, Ewert believes her role is important to setting the tone of the game, especially at the plate.

“It is definitely really important to get the team hyped up and get the energy of the game started,” Ewert said. “My job is to get on base and get my team going. Scoring runs early on in the game helps the team be determined and motivated and keep the energy up.”

The Mammoths chipped away at the six-run lead, cutting it down to two runs going into the sixth inning. The Polar Bears added a run in the top of the sixth and three more in the seventh, making the score 11–5 going into the last half inning. Amherst got two more runs, but not enough to catch up, leaving the final score 11–7.

“The momentum of us scoring towards the end of the first game [of the doubleheader] and having successful at bats was able to carry us in [through the second game],” Gary said. “Amherst went through quite a few pitchers, so we knew that they didn’t have that many options left. We were well prepared for [their pitching], and we had to get a win in somehow, so we clawed out.”

Lots of Polar Bears had a good day at the plate, especially Garcia, who went four-for-five with four runs batted in and two doubles. Gary also went four-for-five with two runs batted in and a double. Kathleen Hester ’27 pitched a complete game, striking out two batters and only allowing two walks.

“Kathleen pitched a great game,” Gary said. “We played the defense behind her, which is what we needed to do, and it’s clear that we’re gonna win if we put it all together. ”

The Polar Bears played a doubleheader on Wednesday night against Thomas College (9–14), winning the first game 10–5 the second 3–2.

This afternoon, the team will travel to play the University of Southern Maine (11–13) in a doubleheader.

“I’m really excited for the rest of the season,” Ewert said. “It’s been really fun to play with my teammates; they’re amazing.”