NEWPORT, R.I. — The Smith College softball team earned a hard-fought split on the road Sunday afternoon, falling 6–1 in Game 1 before bouncing back with a gritty 9–7 victory in the nightcap at Toppa Field. The win marked the Pioneers' first conference victory of the season and showcased their resilience, depth, and timely hitting.
Game 1: Salve Regina 6, Smith 1
Smith's offense was quiet in the opener, limited to just two hits and one run. Kat Wajerski (Bellevue, WA/Newport) drove in the team's only run with an RBI double in the fifth, scoring Ava Lansbury (Arlington, VA/Washington-Liberty), who reached base via one of her three walks in the game. Lindsay Bennett (Sanford, ME/Berwick Academy) recorded Smith's other hit, a double in the sixth inning.
On the mound, Emilie Doty (Arlington, VA/Washington-Liberty) pitched 5.1 innings with four strikeouts and worked efficiently through the middle innings, allowing just one earned run before the Seahawks added insurance late. Bailey Gray (Missouri City, TX/Ridge Point) added a stolen base, and Smith's defense remained poised.
Game 2: Smith 7, Salve Regina 6
Smith came out energized in Game 2, scoring in six of seven innings and holding off a late push by the Seahawks to earn the win.
The Pioneers opened the scoring in the first on an RBI double by Kat Wajerski (Bellevue, WA/Newport), and added two more in the third with RBI hits from Elinor Washington (Sacramento, CA/Pleasant Grove) and Kat Wajerski (Bellevue, WA/Newport) to take an early 3–1 lead. Salve answered, but Smith continued to apply pressure offensively with runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings, capped by a key two-run rally in the seventh that gave them enough cushion to close the door.
Knutson finished the game 2-for-4 with two RBI and a double, while Wajerski also collected two hits, including her second RBI double of the day. Washington added a pair of singles and an RBI.
In the circle, Lindsay Bennett (Sanford, ME/Berwick Academy) got the start and went three innings, allowing five runs. Emilie Doty (Arlington, VA/Washington-Liberty) took over in relief and threw four solid innings, striking out four and allowing only one run to close out the win.
Up Next:
Smith continues its season with a matchup against Amherst College at home. First pitch is set for Wednesday at 4:30pm.
About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log on to smithpioneers.com and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram.
