KISSIMMEE, Florida - March 7, 2023 - The Hiram softball team leveled its record with a doubleheader sweep, beating Saint Benedict (7-1) and Rochester (6-1) at Fortune Road Field on Tuesday.
Summer Collins earned her 1st career win as head coach in Game 1, and the Terriers picked up their 1st win over a ranked opponent this season in Game 2; Rochester is ranked No. 21 in Division III, according to the NFCA poll.
Trinity Meza and Darian Kanno had dominant efforts on the mound in both games, while the offense combined for 20 hits on the day.
Game 1 vs Saint Benedict Recap
It was a slow start for Hiram, as Saint Benedict took a 1-0 lead in the second inning and held that advantage through the third frame. Meza was effective in limiting the damage, stranding 5 players on base over her first 4 innings of work.
The Terriers made their mark in the fourth and fifth innings, combining for 7 runs on 8 hits during that span. Angel Santellan had a 3-run double and Abriana Schwartz had a 2-run single to highlight the offensive outburst.
Kanno would pitch the remainder of the game after Meza posted a strong line of 4 2/3Â IP, 3 H, 1 R/ER, 5 BB, 2 K. Kanno only allowed 1 baserunner on a walk in her 2 1/3Â innings, sealing the team's first victory of the season in convincing fashion.
Game 2 vs No. 21 Rochester Recap
Meza and Kanno would be the ones to get the ball in Game 2, as they once again held their opposition to just 1 run. For the day, the duo combined for all 14 innings pitched, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits.
Hiram would play from in front this time around, with Danielle Robles lacing an RBI single and Fayth Kawamura ripping a 2-run double in the second inning. The 3-0 lead would turn into a 5-0 advantage in the third inning; Giselle Bahena and Viviana Macias pulled off a double-steal before Abriana Schwartz doubled in Bahena.
Rochester responded with a run in the bottom half of the inning, but Hiram's lead was too much to overcome. Victoria Garcia added some insurance with an RBI single to give the team a key win over a ranked opponent.
The Terriers will take the next two days off before returning to action on Friday against Aurora and Wisconsin-River Falls beginning at 9 a.m. at the DiamondPlex in Winter Haven, Florida.
