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Softball splits doubleheader with second-place Presidents

By Rj Leisie staff Writer 3 min read
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After getting swept this past weekend, while continuing its six-game losing streak, the Waynesburg University softball team was looking for something good to end the regular season home portion of the schedule. Unfortunately, the Washington & Jefferson Presidents, who were tied for the lead in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference heading into Tuesday, were coming to town.

The first game of the doubleheader featured back-and-forth action with the Jackets striking first. Junior infielder Jess Dorazio, who was moved up from her normal ninth position in the lineup to the second spot, had a one out, triple in her first at-bat. Sophomore Demi Lewin drove in Dorazio with an RBI single to left field.

“[Lewin] has been a steady presence in our lineup,” said head coach Richele Hall. “She went cold for a little in the season, but all hitters do it. She’s back in the groove and hitting in the three spot and driving in RBIs, which are huge for our team.”

W&J couldn’t answer until the third inning when third basemen Sadie Marak drove in a run on a single to second base. The Presidents added another run in that inning and one in the top of the fifth.

Trailing 3-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth, the Jackets turned to the top of the lineup, looking for some offense, and they got just what they were looking for. Senior outfielder Theresa Soknich lead off the inning with a single, and then advanced to second on a base hit by Dorazio. Lewin dug in and looked to do some damage.

“I just went up to bat with an open mind and was focused on getting the ball in play,” said Lewin. “I knew on a 3-2 count, she was going to put the ball in the strike zone, and I was able to drive it.”

And drive it, she did. Lewin hit a bases clearing triple, driving in her second and third RBIs, respectively, and tied the game at three apiece with the Presidents. Senior infielder Haley Payne followed with a sacrifice fly to centerfield, and Lewin tagged up and gave the Jackets a 4-3 lead.

Junior Stephanie Kotomski, who started the day on the rubber for Waynesburg, looked to finish out the game, not just for her, but also for the team, as a whole. She went the full seven innings, while only giving up those three runs on 10 total hits.

“I just wanted to end the season on a good note,” said Kotomski. “Especially since W&J is a big rival. We just wanted to get a win.”

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