The Kenyon softball team returned to action over the weekend, splitting a doubleheader against The College of Wooster on Saturday before sweeping Bethany College (W.Va.) on Monday.
The Owls opened the first game against Wooster with an explosive offensive performance, winning 9-6 behind an early surge. Kenyon wasted no time at the plate, scoring three runs in the first inning and then breaking the game open in the second with four more. The biggest moment came from Leah Kuban ’28, whose grand slam in the second inning gave the Owls a commanding 7-1 lead. The lineup stayed hot throughout the game, finishing with 15 hits, including multi-hit performances from Leah Schlissberg ’29, Maeve McLaughlin ’26 and Lily Colvin ’28.
Despite some defensive struggles — Kenyon committed four errors that allowed Wooster to get back into striking distance — pitcher Kylie Hamm ’27 remained composed. She pitched 6.2 innings and allowed six runs (none earned). Allison McCutchen ’26 closed the game on the mound to secure the save.
The second game of the doubleheader flipped the script, as Wooster slid past Kenyon 6-5 in a tightly contested matchup. The Owls struck first in the opening inning, but their offense stalled for much of the game. Wooster took advantage in the fifth inning, scoring four runs to take control. Kenyon mounted a dramatic comeback in the seventh, scoring four runs to tie the game at 5-5, highlighted by clutch hits from Colvin and Keala Montgomery ’27. However, Wooster responded in the bottom of the seventh with a walk-off sequence, capitalizing on timely hitting to secure the win.
Kenyon bounced back in dominant fashion against Bethany College on Monday, winning 11-4 in game one, a contest defined by a massive first inning. After falling behind 2-0, the Owls responded with six runs in the bottom of the first, immediately shifting momentum. The offense remained consistent, adding runs in the fourth and a decisive four-run fifth inning. Multiple players contributed, including McLaughlin with three hits and Brooke Avila ’26 with two RBIs. Once again, Hamm delivered on the mound, pitching six innings while allowing just two earned runs. Kenyon’s combination of aggressive hitting and steady pitching allowed the Owls to control the game from start to finish.
The Owls completed the sweep with another commanding 10-2 win. Kenyon broke the game open in the second inning with four runs and followed it up with a three-run third inning. The Owls’ offensive efficiency was clear — they scored 10 runs on just eight hits, taking advantage of walks and defensive errors. Avila provided a highlight moment with a two-run home run, while Montgomery and McLaughlin contributed key RBIs. On the mound, Jillian Messinger ’26 earned the win with a solid three-inning start, and McCutchen shut the door in relief.
The Owls are back in action this weekend, taking on Wittenberg University and Denison University at home on Saturday and Sunday.