The Ladies softball team traveled to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland this past Saturday for a doubleheader. The Ladies were unable to find any rhythm, as they lost both games 11-0 and 16-2, respectively. 

In the first matchup, the Spartans were able to score six runs in the first inning and never looked back. They finished the game with 11 hits, while Kenyon totaled just two. Case’s KaiLi Gross, Hope Yashnik and Grace Yeung led their team with two hits and two RBIs each. Case’s performance was fueled not only by their offensive prowess, but also through Sydney Brannam’s pitching performance. Brannam recorded six strikeouts and allowed only one hit in four innings. Kenyon’s Clare McMahon ’22 and Madde Hyland ’22 each reached base with singles in the fourth and fifth inning for the Ladies, but Kenyon was unable to bring anybody across home plate. 

Despite offensive struggles in their season debut, Kenyon responded strongly in the second game as Emily Pater ’22 was able to drive in fellow junior McMahon after McMahon’s leadoff double. However, that lead quickly disappeared as Case responded with four runs later in the first inning. In the third inning, Kassie Rimel ’22 drove in McMahon to bring the game within three runs (5-2), but Kenyon remained scoreless the rest of the game, which left the door open for Case to expand on their lead. In the end, Kenyon totaled just five hits, while Case tallied 19.

 With only 11 players on their roster, down from 21 last season, securing victories may prove especially challenging this season. The Ladies will look to bounce back when they go up against Ohio Wesleyan University this Saturday, March 27.