BETHANY, W. Va. - April 2, 2021 - Chatham Softball traveled to Bethany College for their first conference double-header of the season. After two close games, Chatham fell by one run in the final stretch, finishing with scores of 8-9 and 9-10 respectively.
Bethany pulled ahead in the first inning of game one leading Chatham by three before first-year Mackenzie Dunn and senior Kelsey Benjamin drove in two runs in the third. The sole run of the fourth would come from Lauren McNany, singled in by pitcher Julie Swedberg.
The sixth inning included eight runs, four apiece for both Bethany and Chatham. Senior Caiti Worwood had half of those RBIs, bringing in Swedberg and Paige Shaftic. Dunn and Benjamin struck again, each bringing in one last RBI.
However, the sixth inning effort was not enough, and Bethany's four runs in the first three innings would lead to their eventual win.
In game two, it was Chatham to get on the board first. Dunn was the first Cougar to cross home, doing so on a steal in the fourth inning. Benjamin, on an RBI roll, brought home Lauren Haak with a right field single to expand the Chatham lead to two.
Bethany was quick to respond, scoring four runs over their next two at-bats. Shaftic and Worwood teamed up to bring in McNany and Alyssa Hoffman, tying the game at four.
Shaftic showcased her speed after advancing to third on Worwood's single, stealing home to reclaim the Chatham lead. Lauren Haak reached after a hard-hit ball to third, allowing Worwood to score next.
Bethany pulled ahead once more, bringing the game to 6-7 heading into the seventh. The Cougars fought back, scoring three runs thanks to Shaftic, Worwood and Dunn once again.
Unfortunately for Chatham, Bethany scored two runs before a walk-off fly ball to center, ending the game in the bottom of the seventh at 9-10.
Senior Caiti Worwood led the Cougars with five hits and four RBIs. Mackenzie Dunn had five hits and three RBIs, followed by Kelsey Benjamin with three hits and three RBIs.
Pitcher Julie Swedberg had three strikeouts in game one.
The Cougars are now 0-2 in conference play and 5-11 overall. Their next double header is at West Field on Wednesday, April 7th at 6:30/8:30 PM against Waynesburg.
