LEESBURG, Fla. — The Endicott softball team defeated Bethel University, 8-5, in comeback fashion on Friday morning at the Sleepy Hollow Softball Complex.
Michaela Hamill (Lynn, Mass.) earned the win (3-0) in relief on five innings pitched, two hits, one run (unearned), three walks, and three strikeouts.
Trailing 5-3 in the top of the sixth inning, the Gulls erupted for four runs in the frame highlighted by a two-run ground rule double down the left field line by Kayla Sheldon (Burlington, Mass.) and a go-ahead RBI single up the middle from Danielle Stratton (Agawam, Mass.) to make it 6-5.
Endicott also saw Jamie Hopgood (Warwick, R.I.) add to the lead in the sixth with an RBI double to left center before Olivia Odermatt (Cheshire, Conn.) came through with a sacrifice fly to left field in the seventh to round out the scoring.
Hopgood also got Endicott's offense going in the third inning when she walloped a two-run homer to right center, her third this season.
Meanwhile, in the bottom seventh, Sheldon made a highlight reel catch to rob a leadoff base hit when she dove - fully extended - towards third base and snared a sinking line drive that looked sure to be a hit. Hamill followed Sheldon's web gem with a groundout to herself and a groundout to third to lock up the win.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Emily Sharpe (South Glens Falls, N.Y.) knocked in Endicott's third run of the game in fifth and also threw out two base stealers as well.
- The Gulls' 1-2-3 hitters consisting of Sheldon (1-for-5, 1 R, 2 RBI), Stratton (3-for-4, 3 R, 1 RBI), and Hopgood (2-for-3, 1 R, 3 RBI, 1 BB, 1 HR) compiled six hits and six RBI in the victory.
- Endicott is now 1-1 all-time against Bethel.
WHAT'S NEXT
Endicott (7-2) takes on Clarkson in Minneola, Florida later today at 1 PM.
For the latest on Endicott Athletics, follow the Gulls on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
(Photo Credit - David Le '10)
