With a runner on third, a one-run lead and only one out, the softball team was in trouble. But that's when sophomore centerfielder Hillary Smyth took things into her own hands—a fly ball was hit to Smith and she fired a strike to the plate, gunning the runner and ending the game. The victory leveled the Bears' series vs. Trinity at 1-1 and they went on to win the rubber match.
Trinity struck first in game one of the three-game set, scoring three runs in the first inning thanks to a home run by Patricia Cipiccio. The Bantams scored two more in the second inning to take a commanding 5-0 lead. In the bottom of the fourth Bowdoin fought back with three runs of its own.
Trinity, however, scored two more in the top of the fifth inning. Shortstop and co-captain Shavonne Lord '10 rallied the Polar Bear bats hitting an RBI double in the bottom of the fifth. Bowdoin scored three more to tie the game at seven in what was to be a wild finish.
Both teams scored their eighth run in the sixth inning. The Bantams proved to be too powerful, plating four in the seventh and final inning to take a 12-9 victory.
First year Gen Barlow went 2-3 from the plate with a run scored and three RBIs. Lord also gave a strong effort in the loss, going 2-3 with three runs scored and one RBI.
The Polar Bears needed to sweep the Saturday doubleheader to keep their playoff hopes alive. Game one on Saturday had another dramatic finish. Smyth proved her skills both at the plate and in the field. With a two-RBI triple in the second inning and an RBI single in the sixth, Smyth led the way with three total hits, three RBIs and a run scored.
Bowdoin took a strong 6-3 lead going into the top of the last inning. Trinity rallied to score two and had the potential tying run on third base with just one out. A fly ball to Smyth let her show off her arm and gun the runner at home plate to end the thrilling contest.
Kara Nilan '11 took matters into her own hands during the deciding game of the series. In another strong pitching effort, Nilan went the distance in a five-hit shutout victory. The Polar Bears scored two runs in both the third and the sixth innings to seal the 4-0 win and take the important series. Lord continued her impressive weekend collecting three hits and an RBI.
"We are playing really well right now, probably our best softball of the season," said Head Coach Ryan Sullivan. "It was great to rebound on Saturday and get two key division wins."
With the two wins against Trinity, the Polar Bears improved to 27-10 (6-3) and surpassed the single-season win record. Sullivan was excited about the record-breaking victories.
"I have been very fortunate to have a great group of women with which to work this season," he said. "They have been ready to go every game this year. Their accomplishments this season bring forth a tremendous amount of pride from the coaches."
On Friday, the Polar Bears will host the Bates Bobcats for the first game of their final NESCAC series and travel to Bates on Saturday for a doubleheader. The Bobcats enter the weekend with a weak 4-21 (0-9) record but the Polar Bears won't take them lightly.
"We know that we can not underestimate Bates," said co-captain Lauren Coven '10. "We will go into the series more determined than ever."
The Bobcats look to spoil Bowdoin's attempt at qualifying for the NESCAC tournament. Bowdoin will only need two wins to make next weekend's tournament.
"Our goal for the year was to make NESCACs," Coven said, "and we are not taking our eye off of the prize."