So Close Starting 2-0, Scots Open With Split

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The College of Wooster softball team were eyeing a 2-0 start to its season on Saturday, but a late rally from 20th-ranked Transylvania University had the Scots leave with a split in two games played at Spalding University.

In game one, the Scots defeated Spalding 7-3, and in game two, Transylvania scored two in the seventh to escape with a 3-2 win.

Against Spalding, Wooster received three innings of three-run softball from senior pitcher Rachael Dudziak. However, the door was shut and the win given to first-year Tori Conner who pitched the remaining four innings and allowed just three hits.

Offensively, the Scots collected 12 hits, highlighted by a 3-run first and 3-run sixth. Wooster only had one extra base hit, a double from Cate Barkdoll, who went 2 for 4 with two runs scored and 2 RBI in the game.

Four other Scots collected two hits in game one, including Emma Hetkey, Stephanie Griffin-Sanchez, Julia Jennings and Jasmine Mueller.

The Scots led 4-3 after their sixth inning burst and they did it relatively small. Jennings singled home the first run in the inning, while Barkdoll and Kaydee Clark each had RBI groundouts – Clark's being a sacrifice bunt to score Ciara Herbert.

In game two, Transylvania recorded all of its runs in the final two innings. In the seventh, they capitalized on an error and a walk as both runners came around to score on sacrifice flies.

Conner took the loss in game two, backing a strong starting appearance from sophomore Lynnsey Delio. Delio threw 4.2 innings, allowed five hits and struck out three.

Offensively, Wooster had just six hits. Jennings and Clark each had two.

Wooster faces the same schedule on Sunday. They play Spalding at 11 a.m. and Transylvania at 1:30 p.m.