CLERMONT, Fla. - February 27, 2022 - Chatham Softball played their first two games of the 2022 season this morning against Finlandia University and Adrian College. The Cougars split on the day, first defeating Finlandia 10-4 and then playing to a closer 7-4 loss against Adrian.

In game one, several Cougars drove the offense. Junior Kaitlyn Collins when three-for-three, bringing in a run and scoring one herself. Following Collins with two hits each were juniors Lauren Haak and Alyssa Hoffman, who combined for three RBIs. Graduate student Lauren McNany brought in two runs as well from a huge hit.

On the mound, sophomore Mackenzie Dunn earned her first collegiate win, recording eight strikeouts.

The Cougars were defensively sound, allowing runs in only two innings in the field.

In game two, their competition was more intense. A rough first inning would give the Bulldogs their lead, followed by three straight scoreless innings for both teams. In the fifth, however, Lauren McNany would once again come up big, advancing Dunn who would score on the next play. Junior Justine Boyle made a pivotal impact for the Cougars with two outs, scoring McNany to cut the run deficit in half.

The Cougars would rally again in the seventh, starting with a triple from Lauren Haak to deep left center, scoring Boyle from first. First-year Emily Seamon would lay down a perfect sacrifice bunt in her collegiate debut, allowing Haak to come home.

Despite the notable performances, Adrian unfortunately scored three more runs in the sixth to defeat the Cougars 7-4.

The Cougars are back in action tomorrow, February 28th at 1:30 and 4:15 PM against North Central (MN) and Elizabethtown.