NORTHAMPTON, MA — Smith (6-5) split their doubleheader against Keene State College (8-5) at Smith Softball Field on Friday, suffering a 15-12 loss in the first game before bouncing back with a decisive 9-1 victory in the second.
In Game 1, Smith fell to Keene State in a closely contested match. The game started with an early lead for Keene State, who struck first in the first inning with a two-run homer by Elyse Picard, making it 2-0. However, Smith responded in the second inning when
Taz Tamai (Cincinati, OH/The Seven Hills School) and
Gabbie Chinnis (Charleston, SC/Charleston County School of Arts) reached base, allowing
Lily Hackett (Concord, NH/Concord) to drive in a run on a groundout. An error by Keene State's second baseman allowed Chinnis to score, leveling the game at 2-2.
The Bears seized control in the third inning, with
Bailey Gray's (Missouri City, TX/Ridge Point) single and a Keene State error contributing to a 4-2 lead. Smith continued to build on that momentum in the fourth inning, extending their lead to 7-2 with a two-RBI single from Gray and a groundout RBI by Chinnis. However, the fifth inning proved to be a turning point as Keene State rallied for ten runs, highlighted by Abby Weiterman's two doubles. Smith fought back with a three-run homer from
Violet Peverly (Granby, CT/Loomis Chaffee), narrowing the gap to 12-10, but ultimately fell short as Keene State secured a 15-12 victory.
Peverly led the Bears offensively with three hits, including a home run, and three RBIs. Chinnis added three hits and two RBIs, while Hackett contributed with two RBIs.
Alana Robinson (Benicia, CA/Benicia) pitched for Smith, completing three innings with a total of 93 pitches, allowing 7 runs on 2 hits with 5 walks.
Final score: Keene State 15, Smith 12.
In Game 2, Smith rebounded with a commanding 9-1 victory over Keene State, capitalizing on the opponent's four errors and showcasing strong offensive performance, particularly in a pivotal five-run fourth inning. Smith took an early lead in the first inning when
Ally Knutson (Green Bay, WI/Bay Port) walked and scored on a single by
Riley Veenstra (Oakland, CA/Bishop O'Dowd), ending the inning 1-0.
Keene State managed to tie the game in the third inning at 1-1 after Anna Gostkowski walked and scored on a single by Abby Weiterman. However, Smith broke the game wide open in the fourth inning, scoring five runs to take a commanding 6-1 lead. An error allowed
Gabbie Chinnis (Charleston, SC/Charleston County School of Arts) to reach first, and multiple errors by Keene State led to runs scored by Hackett and Veenstra, among others.
The Bears added three more runs in the sixth inning, highlighted by
Violet Peverly's (Granby, CT/Loomis Chaffee) walk and a double from
Elinor Washington (Sacramento, CA/Pleasant Grove), resulting in a final score of 9-1.
Peverly pitched a complete game, allowing only one earned run over six innings while striking out eight batters. She faced 27 batters, issuing four walks and throwing 112 pitches, with 61 strikes.
Ally Knutson (Green Bay, WI/Bay Port) scored two runs with two hits, while Veenstra achieved a season-high with three hits and two RBIs. Washington contributed with a two-RBI double, further boosting Smith's scoring efforts.
Overall, Smith now holds a record of 6-5, while Keene State stands at 8-5. Smith plays host to Babson on March 29th in a rescheduled doubleheader.
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.
