Oberlin College Athletics

MISENHEIMER, NC- After a last-minute change of plans, the Oberlin College softball team opened their season against the nationally-ranked Pfeiffer Falcons on Friday afternoon. Despite the efforts of the Crimson and Gold, the Yeowomen fell 10-1 in both games. The young team moves to 0-2 on the season ahead on another pair of road games on Sunday afternoon.
 
GAME ONE

Taking on the 20^th-ranked team in the nation, Oberlin Senior Katie Austin started in the circle for the Yeowomen. Jess Friedman came in for relief midway through the second inning, tacking on a pair of strikeouts before closing the game.
 
In the batter's box, the Yeowomen were paced by Carter, who went 1-for-2 on the day with an RBI. Haley Carlson, Liz Laudicina, and Gina Lombard each recorded steals in the first game, led by Lombard with two.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Trailing 9-0, the Crimson and Gold first put runs on the board in the fourth inning. Oberlin got an RBI single from Carter, scoring senior Lombard from third base. Oberlin was unable to get any closer, as Pfeiffer added one run to their tally on the way to a 10-1 final.

GAME NOTES

» Oberlin pitchers faced 13 Pfeiffer hitters in the game, allowing five ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out two.
» Samantha Pinedo, Wren Norris, Roxie Freifeld, and Lombard all made their collegiate debuts in the game.
» Laudicina and Lombard each pinch ran for the Crimson and Gold.
 
GAME TWO

In game two, sophomore Hailey Alspach started in the circle for Oberlin, before Calliope Lisaak and Austin came in for relief. Senior Austin was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going 1.2 shutout innings while allowing one hit.

Offensively, Oberlin was led by Mia Brito, who went 1-for-2 on the day, including a hit to left field that eventually led to the Yeowomen's sole run.

HOW IT HAPPENED

In the second inning, Oberlin got themselves on the board behind a series of strategic plays. With Brito on first, Pinedo reached first on a fielder's choice, outing Brito. Stealing second and third, Pinedo sat in scoring position with Maya Means up to bat. Means was walked, but on a wild pitch, Pinedo made the dash for home to give Oberlin their only run.

GAME NOTES

» Lombard, Pinedo, and Means each tallied a stolen base in the game, led by rookie Pinedo with two.
» Oberlin pitchers faced 14 Pfeiffer hitters in the game, allowing six ground balls and five fly balls while striking out one.

The Crimson and Gold look to bounce back from a tough opener when they take on a pair of opponents in the Grand Slam Triangle Classic, on Sunday, March 10. Oberlin begins against William Peace at 10 a.m. before a match with Pacific Lutheran at 12 p.m.

Parts of this story were created through content automation technology from Data Skrive.

Fans can watch all the home matches live online. Home contests can be accessed on a TV through the official Oberlin College Sports Network app on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.