CLERMONT, Fla. – March 4, 2022 – The Chatham softball team rebounded with a one-run victory against the New England Pilgrims Friday afternoon, splitting the day's games. The Cougars will return to the Steel City with a 4-6 record.
 
Chatham kept the first inning scoring streak alive with a two-run top of the first. Junior Justine Boyle singled with the bases loaded to bring in the ice-breaking run, and later the second run was scored on a fielding gaffe by the shortstop. The Pilgrims responded with two in the bottom of the second, making the score 2-2, where it remained for most of the game.
 
The Cougars struck three times in the top of the seventh inning, similarly on another Pilgrim error with the bases loaded and then a two-RBI single by junior Alyssa Hoffman. Chatham held the 5-2 lead going into the home half of the seventh, but New England did not go away silently.
 
The Pilgrims got a two-RBI double to cut the score to 5-4 with the tying run on second. Then an intentional walk and a single loaded the bases with two outs. Senior pitcher Emily Nay was able to wiggle herself out of the jam and secure the lineout and the win.
 
Nay went 5.0 innings in relief and picked up the win, her third of the season. Junior Mackenzie Dunn started and went 2.0 innings, six straight if you include the four she went in the prior game against Rose-Hulman. Chatham had eight hits and were aided by five New England errors. Boyle had a 3/4 day to lead the Cougars.
 
Chatham has the next 15 days off before opening the home slate on Saturday, March 19 against Houghton, with the double header starting at 1:00.