NORFOLK, Va.- The Juniata softball team lost the opening two games of its Spring Break trip on Friday, falling 3-0 to Kean University in the morning before losing to Christopher Newport University 15-0 later in the afternoon.
Beginning with Kean, the Eagles would be shutout, putting up only four hits in seven innings against Kean ace Heather Clevenger. Despite the lack of offense, Juniata remained in striking distance thanks to a strong pitching performance from Cate Baran (Tyrone, Pa. / Tyrone), who took the loss despite striking out four and giving up only five hits in seven innings. Baran also had one of the Eagles four hits, doubling to left center in the bottom of the third.
Senior Maya McLeod (San Diego, Calif. / La Jolla Country Day) added a double of her own to the hit column, continuing her hot start at the plate with her third extra-base hit in three games. Her batting average sits at .545 after today's contests.
In their second game of the day, this time facing Christopher Newport, the Eagles' offense was once again stymied by a strong pitching performance. They struck out seven times in five innings, putting up only three hits against Christopher Newport's starter. Baran and McLeod again found the hit column, each having a single along with freshman Mackenzie Blickenstaff (Hagerstown, Md. / Smithsburg).
After holding Christopher Newport off the board in the first inning, the Captains' offense switched into gear and they put up two runs in the bottom of the second before adding a hefty nine runs in the bottom of the third. Four more runs in the bottom of the fourth put Christopher Newport up 15 runs, and with the Eagles unable to answer the scoring barrage, the game ended in five innings. Despite the lop-sided score line, Juniata will take solace in having hung with Christopher Newport early, with the Captains' squad having finished last season ranked fifth in the Atlantic region and starting this season hot with an 11-0 record.
Juniata will continue to test its mettle this weekend, next taking on Virginia Wesleyan, the reigning national champions. They'll face them on Sunday, March 13th, in a doubleheader beginning at 2:00 PM. The Eagles will then have an opportunity for an improved showing against Christopher Newport, taking them on again on Monday, March 14th in a doubleheader beginning at 2:30 PM.
