In a stunning display of skill and strategy, the College of Southern Maryland’s (CSM) softball team clinched decisive victories over Monroe College – Bronx in a doubleheader held on March 3, 2024. Demonstrating their prowess on the field, the Hawks outplayed the Mustangs with scores of 8-1 and 14-0 in consecutive games, showcasing the depth of talent within the CSM roster.
The opening game set the tone for the day, with CSM quickly establishing a lead in the early innings and maintaining their dominance throughout. The Hawks’ offense was on full display, accumulating a total of 13 hits, including standout performances by Lexi Drayer and Ashlyn Ferguson. Drayer, not only secured a homerun but also added two doubles, contributing significantly to the team’s victory with her dynamic play. Ferguson’s speed on the bases and ability to drive in runs proved vital, underscoring the Hawks’ aggressive baserunning strategy.
Monroe College struggled to find their rhythm against the relentless offensive and defensive show by CSM. Despite a double by Ciara Harriott and Angelica Uribe-Perez, the Mustangs could only muster one run in the seventh inning, hindered by three costly errors that further tilted the game in CSM’s favor. Hilda Sanchez, taking the loss for Monroe, faced 29 batters, allowing seven runs over 5.1 innings.
The second game intensified CSM’s dominance, with the Hawks unleashing a powerful offensive that saw them scoring 14 runs on nine hits. The game was highlighted by a remarkable performance from Ashlyn Ferguson, who hit a home run, alongside Madison Jury and Abby Norris, who contributed with crucial RBIs. The Mustangs’ pitcher, Angelica Uribe-Perez, faced a challenging outing, surrendering 11 runs before B. Oliviery-Baker stepped in to relieve her.
Monroe’s offense, although slightly more productive in terms of hits compared to the first game, failed to translate those into runs, a testament to the defensive solidity of CSM. Kayla Twigg, the winning pitcher for the Hawks, faced 18 batters across five innings, showcasing a commanding presence on the mound that left little room for Monroe’s hitters to make an impact.
The doubleheader, played without spectators, was a showcase of CSM’s well-rounded team strength and Monroe College’s struggle to keep pace. The Hawks’ ability to consistently apply pressure, both through aggressive baserunning and powerful hitting, was the key to their success. Meanwhile, the Mustangs will look to regroup and address the areas of concern highlighted by these matches, particularly their defense and the ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
As the season progresses, CSM’s performance in these games will surely be seen as a high point, setting a strong precedent for their upcoming encounters. On the other side, Monroe College – Bronx has ample opportunity to reflect, adjust, and come back stronger in future competitions, aiming to turn their fortunes around in the highly competitive collegiate softball landscape.
