HAVERFORD, Pa. – The Haverford College softball team swept its final non-conference doubleheader of the regular season on Thursday with a pair of victories over visiting Alvernia. The Fords (18-16) finished the non-conference slate with sweeps in four of those six doubleheaders. All 12 of Haverford's runs during the 7-2 and 5-2 victories came with two outs on Thursday evening.
The opening game saw Haverford score in each of its final four times up to bat as it came away with a 7-2 victory. The Fords got that offensive spurt started in the third inning. Rachel Wolfson and Julia Blake started the two-out magic, while doubles from Kaitlyn Guild and Kristin Tatum scored the first two runs. Guild scored on a wild pitch before the last out of the inning was recorded.
The Crusaders got two of those runs back in the top of the fourth inning but a run in the fourth and fifth inning, coupled with two runs in the sixth put the game out of reach. Kendall Chambers reached with a single into centerfield to start the fourth inning. Tori Hopkins came on to run for her and came around to score on an RBI hit from Alex Craig. In the fifth inning, a two-out single from Miwa Wenzel continued the two-out hitting. Guild capped the Fords two-out heroics with a double in the sixth inning to make the score 7-2.
Each of the first three batters in the Fords' lineup scored two runs in the opening game. Guild added three RBI in addition to her two runs scored. Six of Haverford's nine starters finished with at least two hits in the game. Wolfson went a team-best 3-for-4 out of the leadoff spot.
In addition to a 1-for-3 day at the plate, Chambers got the start and allowed just four hits and two runs over her four innings of work. She improved to 6-2 on the season with today's victory. Sara Tauriello came in for the final three innings of relief. She nailed down her second save of the season by allowing just two hits and no runs over the final three innings. She struck out six during that time.
Another three-run inning sparked the Fords' victory in game two. This time, the Fords' biggest inning came during their first trip up to bat. Blake reached on an error with one down, while Tatum worked a two-out walk. That set for the table for Jessica Koshinski to blast her fifth home run of the season and make the score 3-0 after the first inning.
Both teams scored two runs in their half of the fourth inning. A two-out bunt single from Wenzel turned the Haverford lineup over. Wolfson reached on a two-out error, while a walk to Blake loaded the bases. Guild singled home two runs as she shot a drive down the right field line to make the score 7-2.
Starring in the circle for the Fords was Emily Winesett. The Fords' senior went the distance for her eighth win of the season. During her complete seven inning game, she allowed just four hits and two unearned runs. She struck out six and walked just one.
Softball will close its home schedule for the regular season this Saturday with a doubleheader against rival Swarthmore. A win in either game would secure the Hood Trophy for Haverford for the 25th straight year. Saturday will also be Senior Day for the team's Class of 2016: Kristin Tatum, Sara Tauriello, Miwa Wenzel, and Emily Winesett.