CLERMONT, Fla. — Smith College secured two impressive victories at Legends Way, first defeating McDaniel College 12-9 and then overpowering Augsburg University 10-1. In both games, Smith showcased their offensive prowess, capitalizing on errors and delivering strong pitching performances.
In the matchup against McDaniel, the Bears capitalized on four errors by their opponents, highlighted by a pivotal seven-run sixth inning that flipped the game. McDaniel initially took the lead in the first inning with a double from Caitlin Boden and a groundout by Keonna Gonzalez, scoring two runs to make it 2-0. Smith responded in the second with
Lily Hackett's (Concord, NH/Concord) double driving in two unearned runs after loading the bases, bringing the score to 5-2 in favor of McDaniel.
The Bears tied the game in the third inning as
Riley Veenstra (Oakland, CA/Bishop O'Dowd) grounded out, allowing
Violet Peverly (Granby, CT/Loomis Chaffee) to score, followed by
Elinor Washington's (Sacramento, CA/Pleasant Grove) single that brought in two more runs, leveling the score at 5-5. McDaniel regained the lead in the fourth with a single from Boden and extended it in the fifth to 9-5.
However, Smith's comeback in the sixth was remarkable, starting with a double from
Ally Knutson (Green Bay, WI/Bay Port). Veenstra added two more runs with her single, followed by a wild pitch. Hackett's single up the middle capped off the inning with two more RBIs, marking her season high with four runs batted in. The Bears held McDaniel scoreless in the seventh to secure the 12-9 victory.
Bailey Gray (Missouri City, TX/Ridge Point) pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing three hits but no runs, while
Alana Robinson (Benicia, CA/Benicia) struggled early, allowing five earned runs. Knutson led with three hits and one run scored, Veenstra contributed three RBIs, and Hackett's two hits included a double along with four RBIs.
In their game against Augsburg, Smith continued their momentum with a decisive 10-1 victory. Both teams scored in the first inning, with
Gabbie Chinnis (Charleston, SC/Charleston County School of Arts) driving in a run for Smith and Augsburg responding with a run from Jayden Evenson. In the fifth inning, Hackett doubled, and Knutson's double put the Bears ahead 2-1.
Smith broke the game open in the sixth inning with an impressive eight-run rally.
Elinor Washington (Sacramento, CA/Pleasant Grove) doubled and scored alongside Hasegawa due to a fielding error. Additional RBIs from Knutson and Tamai, along with Washington's single bringing in two more runs, culminated in Hasegawa's two-RBI double, ending the inning with Smith leading 10-1.
Violet Peverly (Granby, CT/Loomis Chaffee) delivered a stellar performance on the mound, pitching a complete game with only two hits and one earned run allowed, striking out eight batters and achieving a WHIP of 0.83. Knutson and Washington both had impactful performances, with Knutson recording two RBIs and Washington contributing two hits and two RBIs. Chinnis crossed home plate twice, showcasing her scoring ability.
The Bears improved their overall record to 3-2, while Augsburg fell to 4-10 after these matchups.
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 GoSmithBears.com and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram.
