CLERMONT, FL - It was opening day for the Chatham Softball team (1-1) as they opened their season with two games this morning down in the Sunshine State at THE Spring Games. 

The Cougars would have their first game of the 2026 season against the Neumann Univeristy Knights (2-2) bright and early this morning. The change in weather would throw the Cougs off as they would unfortunately fall 13-1 to the Knights. Despite the loss, freshman Gaby McTavish would have an impressive first collegiate game as she led the Cougars with two hits. Senior Kayleen Garcia would be the first Cougar of the season to record an RBI as she brought another new face, freshman Madi Gorney, to record the Cougars only run of the game. 

Senior Victoria Murren would control the mound for five innings throwing the first 97 pitches of the game. Murren allowed only eight hits while striking out four batters. Fellow senior Sheaden Berkson would relieve Murren as she pitched the next inning only allowing three hits. Freshman Caytlin Redeye would close out the game pitching the final inning only allowing two hits. 

In the Cougars second game against the Bluffton University Beavers (1-1), the bats were swinging enough to secure a 4-3 Cougar victory. Sophomore Josie Underdonk would lead the way with two hits in the second game. Sophomore Anna Borst and McTavish would be responsible for an RBI each while Gorney, Murren, Underdonk, and senior Olivia Harris would each record a run. 

Gorney would be on the mound for the Cougars to start the game and pitch three innings. During those innings she recorded just two hits allowed, gave up no runs, and struck out three batters. Underdonk would then close out the game pitching the last four innings. She would record 63 pitches and three strikeouts. 

The Cougars are back in action tomorrow, March 2nd when they continue their week down South. They will look to face off with Johnson & Wales - Providence at 12:30PM and then Norwich University right after at 2:30PM.