SARASOTA, Fla - New College softball closed out their Friday doubleheader against the College of Coastal Georgia Mariners with a 3-0 shutout win to walk out of the day 1-1 in the series.
The win came at an optimal time, as the Banyans were sliding on a 10 game losing streak and working to make a push for the Sun Conference postseason. Heading into the conference, the home team held a 7-14 conference record while the Mariners sat at 10-8 and had won their last five games.
After a back and forth opening game that finished with a 3-2 Coastal Georgia victory, the Banyans showcased a much stronger defensive showing in the immediate rematch. New College Pitcher
Jayleigh Totten pitched all seven of the game's innings while securing four strikeouts and only seven hits. Following the shutout performance, Totten shared some words about her team's outing.
"After the first game, I just felt like we knew we had them," shared the senior pitcher. "After the game we had all the momentum because it was there. We scored all the runs in the last two innings, and we just knew it was our time."
Avery Arrington,
Madison Garcia, who also had a team leading two RBIs, and
Rylie Harwood were all credited with a run in the contest. In addition to the consistent play on the mound and improved hitting, the outfield had a strong day to aid in the win. Reliable putouts by Harwood and
Ke'Asia Waters, plus an especially good snag by left fielder Ashlynn Sentner in the early game made things easier for their pitcher.
"I'm so grateful for them," added Totten as the team around her adorned her with various pieces of equipment. "Obviously I can't strike everyone out, so I'm so happy to have them behind my back."
The win improves the Banyan's conference record to 8-14, and it will be much needed momentum as they head to tomorrow's final Sun Conference game against the Mariners.
"I'm so proud of us," concluded Totten. "I never planned on being back here and the fact that I am here, it's everything and they're supporting me through everything… I'm ready to go into the conference and we're going to win that thing."
The Banyans return to action on Saturday, April 18th for their final game of the series against Coastal Georgia.
