Softball completes Florida trip 5-5
The Hocking College softball team completed its Florida trip at 5-5 but played its best softball the last three games of the week. After dropping a close game to Dakota Wesleyan University JV the Hawks bounced back to trounce St. Cloud Technical College (MN) 20-0. Although the Hawks were only able to collect eight hits, they were able to capitalize on eight St Cloud Tech errors and had patience at the plate as they also collected nine walks. Sophomore Kristen Stromack led the attack going 2 for 4 with a double, two runs scored and 4 RBI. Sophomore Carissa Wheeler went 2 for 5, three runs scored and an RBI. Freshman Alexia Spangler earned the win in the circle, pitching five complete innings, scattering three hits while strikinig out four.
On the last day of the week the Hawks started out with bang taking down Williston State College (ND), 14-5 in finve innings. Once again Stromack led the hitting attack with three hits, a run scored and two RBI. Sophomore Grace Hash chipped in with two hits, both triples, scoring two runs and collecting two RBI. Sophomore Makayla Ball went two for two with 4 runs scored and two walks. Once again Spangler took the circle and gained the win scattering five hits.
In the tenth and final game of the week the Hawks took on St. Louis Community College, who received votes in the most recent NJCAA D2 poll. After spotting the Archers a 3-0 lead the Hawks came alive in the fourth inning. After a leadoff single by Wheeler, Stromack reached based on a fielders choice and Wheeler beat the throw to second base. Sophomore Katie Hoffa reached base by an error that allowed Wheeler to score, and Stromack and Hoffa each moved up a base. Sophomore Amana Lillis hit a sac fly to right that allowed Stromack to score and Hoffa to move to third base. Sophomore Chylece Cluck's single up the middle scored Hoffa to knot the score at 3. In the seventh inning the Hawks got a one out walk by Sophomore Alessandra Mavilla and moved to second on a sac bunt by Wheeler. Stromack then lined a rocket to left field that rolled out of the left fielder's glove when she dove for the ball that allowed Mavilla to score to give the Hawks a 4-3 lead going into the bottom of the seventh. The Archers started the bottom of the seventh with a walk and a bunt single before Stromack came back with a strikeout at the top of the order setting the stage for the Archers top hitter Natalee Watts who tripled down the right field line to score both runners and walk off the game at 5-4. Wheeler and Hoffa led the hitting attack with two hits each.
The Hawks return to action this Saturday to open up the home portion of their schedule and open OCCAC play with a doubleheader against Owens Community College. First pitch will be at 1 pm.