Spartans secure no. 2 seed

Photo courtesy of Castleton Sports

It was a senior day shutout for senior Kayla Wood, who's stellar pitching performance helped the Castleton Spartans capture a game one victory over the Husson Eagles in doubleheader action Saturday afternoon.

Taking a perfect game bid into the fifth inning, Wood surrendered just two hits and recorded a dominating 15 strikeouts over seven innings.

A pitchers duel highlighted the opening game of the doubleheader and freshman Jen Jones from the Eagles took a shutout into the 7th inning. Jones recorded 9 strikeouts in her five-hit complete game loss.

“During the last inning, we were all so pumped and we knew that we were capable of beating them. We executed the bats and were smart around the bases,” said sophomore Tori Swaine

After a closely contested game, the Spartans were able to get a runner into scoring position in the 7th as freshman Briley Blackbird drove a pitch into center field scoring freshman Karli Theberge for the Spartans only run, taking game one in walk-off fashion.

“Being a freshman and learning to hit from the left side of the plate has been a real struggle and it’s been hard to feel confident at the plate, but in situations like that you have to put all emotions aside and just do your best for the team,” said Blackbird.

Unfortunately for the Spartans, a game one victory over Husson wasn’t enough and a second game 3-1 loss was all the Eagles needed to capture the NAC Conference Championship.

The Eagles jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after picking up all three of their runs in the 3rd inning.

With runners on first and second, Husson’s Olivia Smith flied out to center field, scoring Bri Brouch. In the very next at-bat, freshman first baseman Tamara Aunchman homered to left center driving in two more runs.

With the Spartans loss in the second game, Husson earned the top spot in the NAC. But for the Spartans the day was about recognizing the seniors who have given so much to the program.

Senior Brooke Naylor, Kayla Wood and Sami Carlo were all given honorable mentions prior to the game and were joined on the mound by their families as they reminisced their time as Spartans.

“All three of our seniors have left a special mark on this program and I can only wish them the best of luck in the future, because they deserve nothing but the best in all aspects of life,” said junior Taylor Paquette.

 

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