By Pat Tintle
Staff Writer
After 36 straight road games, the softball team played their first home game of the season on Wednesday. The Bonnies (6-32, 2-12) split the doubleheader against Binghamton to end their 12-game losing streak.
Tomorrow, the Bonnies will host Charlotte (16-22, 4-8) for a doubleheader. The games will begin at noon and 2 respectively.
“Charlotte’s a team that we have played well against at home before,” said Threehouse. “We’re going to take a little bit from what we did today and hopefully move it forward into the weekend.”
Head Coach Mike Threehouse gave the ball to pitcher Carly Bilchak in the first game against the Bearcats(19-12). Bilchak went the full seven innings, allowing seven earned runs on seven hits.
“When pitching on this level, you have to stay focused the whole time,” said Threehouse. “She (Bilchak) has to be more consistent when it comes down
to pitching and hitting her spots.”
All of Binghamton’s runs came before the fifth inning, after which Bilchak began to settle down, according to Threehouse.
The Bonnies’ offense struggled in the first game against Binghamton starter Demi Laney, who went six innings and allowed two earned runs.
“Our approach was bad,” Threehouse stated. “We got frustrated because we got behind. It was one of those games when you are down three or four runs and start to force things.”
The offense was able to get on the board late against Laney. Rightfielder Lindsay Stowell blasted a two run homer over the leftfield fence in the bottom of the fifth inning to cut the score to 7-2. But the Bearcats held on after a seventh inning Bonnies rally to win 7-3.
Pitcher Alexis Sloat got the start for game two. After giving up three runs in the first, Sloat pitched three scoreless innings. Sloat finished with seven earned runs over seven innings and was able to hold the 10-8 lead and earned her second win of the season.
The Bonnies’ offense scorched Binghamton starting pitcher Stephanie Arneson for six runs over two and a third innings pitched. Catcher Lauren Waite hit a three-run bomb in the fifth to give the Bonnies the go-ahead run. Junior centerfielder Ashley Snider went 2-4 with a triple and two runs batted in to propel the potent Bonaventure offense over the Bearcats.
“Ashley’s hit .300 every year she’s been here so far,” said Threehouse. “We look to Ashley to make this offense go. When she’s relaxed and has fun, she’s fantastic.”
Sophomore captain Grace Rooney went 2-4 with a run and a RBI.
“She’s (Rooney) one of the most mature kids I’ve ever coached,” Threehouse said. “From the day she walked in as a freshman, she’s been great.”
Rooney’s leadership reflects with her production on the field, hitting .293 with nine runs and a .391 on base percentage.
