NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich Cadet Women's Softball Team finally had their home opener of the season after unfortunate weather had prevented their early attempts.  It was a beautiful 55 degree day with the sun beaming down, perfect weather for the doubleheader against in-state rival Castleton University.

In the first game, Norwich came out strong on defense and quickly got out of the top of the first inning.  It appeared as though the Cadets were ready to open the scoring in the bottom of the inning with two runners on, but were ultimately unable to capitalize.  The second inning saw an early turning point in the game.  Norwich quickly put the Spartans in a hole but, with a full count and two outs, the Castelton batter was able to connect on a big hit then advance to second on the first error of the game.  The next ensuing batter saw another defensive error place a second baserunner for the visitors.  Finally, a double down the left field line brought home the first two runs of the game.  The Cadets were never able to get traction in the game and saw the visitors claim a 0-12 win.  

The second game was an exciting extra inning back-and-forth affair, but the Cadets came up short in the 7-9 game.  The Spartans got on the board in the top of the first but Norwich quickly regained the lead with two runs in the bottom of the second.  A single by Julia Vawter (Pelham, N.H.) and a walk drawn by Sydney Wood (Proctor, Vt.) had the Cadets threatening early in the second.  Taylor Farnsworth doubled to bring home both Vawter and Wood for the 2-1 lead.  A perfectly executed bunt by catcher Rachel Kempf (Warwick, R.I.) put runners on the corners with only one out.  Maren McGinn (Georgia, Vt.) hit a laser, but unfortunately it was hit right at the shortstop who immediately threw to third base for the double play to end the inning.  

Casteton added three runs in the top of the third inning to gain a 4-2 lead and tacked on what appeared to be an insurance run in the top of the fifth inning.  The Cadet offense would immediately come to life in the bottom of the inning with three runs to tie the game at 5-5.  A Castelton error allowed Farnsworth to reach first and then Kempf was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second.  McGinn grounded out but Farnsworth and Kempf both advanced. Ruthie Davis (Hinsdale, N.H.) then struck out swinging but the Cadets never lost hope.  With two outs, Laura Deaton (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) doubled to plate two runs and get the Cadets within one.  Ashley Parker reached base on an error which also moved Deaton to 3rd base.  Two pitches later saw Deaton alertly score on a wild pitch to tie the game 5-5.

Two scoreless innings, and solid relief pitching for Norwich by Allison Northup (Westerly, R.I.), saw both teams struggle on offense.  In extra innings the Spartans got a quick burst of offense which was too much to overcome.  By rule, the Spartans began with a runner on second base.  A first batter double immediately allowed Castleton to take the lead.  A couple of hits and a pair of errors eventually allowed the Spartans to score four runs in the top of the eighth inning.  Starting with the extra inning runner on second base, a pair of ground outs eventually advanced Vawter to third base.  Facing a daunting task, the Cadets were down four and already had two outs.  Singles by Farnsworth and Kempf both brought in runs before McGinn grounded out to end the game.

The Cadets will have another home doubleheader on Saturday when they host Albertus Magnus College at 1 PM and 3 PM.