North Myrtle Beach, SC- The Dean College softball team began their slate of games in the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic this past Sunday. In a packed triple-header, the team managed to take one of their three games, defeating Keystone College 8-3. The team begins the year 1-2 overall with a 0-0 in-conference record.
Game One: Penn State Du Bois 6, Dean College 1
Despite falling in their tournament opener, the Bulldogs offense carried a stable offense moving into game two.
Emily Kilpatrick (Marion, MA) had a solid performance at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a run scored.
Katie Splaine (Tyngsborough, MA) also contributed with two hits in three at-bats, showing good consistency at the plate. First-year
Ari Amaral (Attleboro, MA) recorded a solid debut, reaching base and adding a walk to her day. Meanwhile,
Liana Silva (New Britain, CT) also picked up a hit. Despite these efforts, Dean's offense couldn't overcome a strong showing by Penn State Du Bois, who scored in the fourth and seventh innings to seal the win.
Sophomore Bryce DeGasparre (Attleboro, MA) picked up the loss during the game, throwing four innings, allowing zero earned runs (four total), four hits, one walk and one strikeout. Jessica Stewart (Banks OR) pitched the final three innings, allowing two earned runs.
Game Two: Dean College 8, Keystone College 3
The Bulldogs bulldozed through game two, securing victory on both sides of their game.Natalie Hayes (Brewster, NY) made her first collegiate start and shined. Hayes tossed a complete game, striking out four, walking one, and allowing two earned runs. On the other side, the offense was led by Sydnee Ramos (New Bedord, MA), who went 3-for-5 with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored. Amaral also had a standout game, recording 3 hits and driving in 1 RBI. The Bulldogs' total offense was explosive, tallying 14 hits on the day, with key contributions from Xandra Silva (New Britain, CT) and Leah Chamberlain (Burlington, VT). Dean's offense also tallied seven RBIs and two stolen bases in the contest.
Game Three: Brooklyn College 7, Dean College 5
While Dean carried the momentum heading into their final game of the day, mistakes cost them a decisive game three, losing 7-5. The Bulldogs mounted a late rally, scoring two runs in the fourth inning and adding another in the fifth. However, errors plagued their defense, contributing to four unearned runs. L. Silva and DeGasparre both had key hits in the rally, with DeGasparre driving in a run. Ramos also had another strong game, going 3-4 with a run scored. L. Silva finished the day at 2-4.
On the mound, Stewart took the loss for Dean, throwing five innings of work, allowing three earned runs, six hits, and three strikeouts. DeGasparre finished the game's final two innings, striking out two.
Both of Dean's games on Monday were canceled due to rain. They are back in action on Wednesday, March 12th, with a double-header against FLU-Flordam (9:00AM) and Brevard College (11:00AM).
