WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — The Norwich University softball team wrapped up its Spring Break trip to Florida on Friday by splitting its final two contests, defeating Gordon 6-5 in walk-off fashion before falling to Husson 9-1.
Game 1: Norwich 6, Gordon 5
The Cadets secured a dramatic walk-off victory in the opener after rallying back and forth with Gordon throughout the afternoon.
The Scots struck first with two runs in the top of the first inning, but Norwich responded immediately in the bottom half.
Jessica Zalucki (Burnt Hills, N.Y.) led off the frame with a single before coming around to score on a bunt single by
Charlii Carbajal Sanchez (Broomfield, Colo.) that turned into a throwing error. Two batters later, Carbajal Sanchez and
Madison DeCota (Strafford, N.H.) both scored on a
Delia Mannion (Ramsey, N.J.) single and another Gordon miscue, giving Norwich an early lead.
Gordon reclaimed the advantage in the third inning, plating three runs to go back in front. Norwich chipped away in the bottom half of the inning when
Emily Munson (Angleton, Texas) came around to score on a throwing error.
The Cadets tied the game in the fourth as Munson delivered an RBI single to bring home
Josephine Whitney (Holbrook, Mass.).
With the score tied at five heading into the bottom of the seventh, Norwich mounted one final rally.
Courtney Thomas (Strafford, N.H.) led off the inning with a single and was sacrificed into scoring position. Two batters later, Whitney delivered a single that brought Thomas home from second, sealing the walk-off victory.
Norwich finished with 17 hits in the contest. DeCota led the charge with a perfect 4-for-4 performance, including two triples and a run scored. Carbajal Sanchez, Munson, Thomas, and Whitney each added two hits.
DeCota also settled in the circle after Gordon's third-inning rally, holding the Scots to just four hits across the final four innings.
Game 2: Husson 9, Norwich 1
Norwich closed the trip against the reigning North Atlantic Conference (NAC) champions in Husson.
The Cadets struck first in the third inning when
Brianna Vitale (Rock Tavern, N.Y.) drew a leadoff walk. After moving into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt, Vitale came around to score on a throwing error to give Norwich a brief lead.
Husson responded quickly and took control of the game, scoring nine unanswered runs to secure a run-rule victory.
Norwich returns north to open Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play on March 21, when the Cadets visit Mitchell for a doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m.
