Softball: Princeton splits first home doubleheader in 2 tight contests

The Tigers found themselves down 4-0 early in the first contest after half an inning. They responded with a three-run frame of their own, highlighted by sophomore pitcher Alex Peyton’s three-run home run off Marist pitcher Hayley Shelton.

Marist scored two runs to open the second inning before an eventful bottom half of the inning with Princeton down 6-3. With freshman catcher Maddie Cousens on second and senior third baseman Megan Weidrick on first, junior leadoff hitter Nicole Ontiveros lined the second pitch she saw right back to Shelton, who did not react in time and was hit hard on the nose. Before play could continue, an ambulance had to take Shelton away from the field.

The Tigers went on to score runs in each of the next three innings off of relief pitcher Paige Lewis to take a lead they would not surrender.

Sophomore pitcher Liza Kuhn and senior pitcher Michelle Tolfa combined to hold the Red Foxes scoreless on just four hits over the final five innings, and Princeton took the first of two games 8-6.

The second game of the doubleheader did not go the Tigers’ way, as they lost the one-run contest 3-2. Peyton pitched a complete game, allowing just two earned runs, and freshman second baseman Tory Roberts doubled and hit a solo home run, her second of the year.

Despite the loss, the Tigers said they are encouraged by their play and are optimistic heading forward. However, they acknowledge they still have things to work on.

“We really need to focus on the little things because those really small aspects of the game have a lot of effect on the outcome,” Cousens said.

“They can change the tone of an inning, and, ultimately, those [small aspects] added up win us games.”

The softball team will continue its 10-game home stand on Wednesday against Central Connecticut State before opening the Ivy League season against Brown and Yale on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

All of the games are doubleheaders, and playing consecutive games poses its own challenges.

“There are always going to be different elements that we need to adjust to,” Cousens remarked.

“Even from the first to the second game, there are new umpires and pitchers. The biggest thing is to make adjustments from game to game of a doubleheader.”