The Shepherd University softball team extended their losing streak to six consecutive games after falling in both games of a doubleheader on March 27 at Fairmont State. Their Mountain East Conference rival posted an 8–3 win in the first game of the day while they rallied from a seven-run deficit to claim a 10–7 victory in the nightcap, leaving the Rams still without a win this season against an MEC opponent. As a result, they are tied for last place in the MEC softball standings.
Fairmont state quickly took control in game one and never relinquished it on their way to getting the win by plating an astonishing six runs during just the first inning of the game. Fairmont’s Amber Curry highlighted the scoring outburst with a three-run homer. Curry, along with Sarah Parsons and Courtney Lacobacci, each recorded a pair of hits during the course of the game.
Sophomore outfielder Kass Taylor’s performance was one of the few bright spots in game one as she went two-for-three with a solo home run. In addition, freshman outfielder Rubie Teffeteller and freshman pitcher Tara Hanson each drove in a run. Sophomore starting pitcher Shannon Lyons took the loss for Shepherd after giving up four earned runs during a mere 0.2 innings pitched.
In game two, it appeared Shepherd was well on its way to claiming their first win against an MEC opponent this season as they had built a 7–0 lead going into the eighth inning. However, the Falcons made an improbable rally with a series of home runs to win 10–7 and sweep the doubleheader.
Ericka Aversa and Amanda Skidmore each belted three-run homers while Sissy Stubbs added a two-run homer during Fairmont’s comeback. As for the Ram’s, they managed success at the plate and in the field and were arguably the better team throughout the majority of the game. However, successfully closing out games has been a problem that has plagued Shepherd throughout the season and once again, this became the story.
Junior second baseman Elisa Orlandi and senior shortstop Jess Mason led the Rams with a pair of two-run homers while freshman third baseman Alexandra Witt had a solo home run herself. This loss dropped the Shepherd softball team’s overall record to 9–15 with less than half the season remaining. The Rams were also scheduled to face West Virginia Wesleyan on March 29 and Glenville State on March 30. Due to inclement weather, those doubleheaders have been postponed.