NORTHFIELD, Vt.- The Northern Vermont University-Johnson softball team faced off against in-state opponent Norwich University in double header action on Wednesday afternoon. The Badgers were edged bythe Cadets losing by a score of 8-1.
The Badgers returned to action for the first time since March 2nd following the 2019 Spring Games in Claremont, Florida.
In opening play the Badgers were retired in the top of the first inning. The Cadets started the bottom of the first inning with strong bats as they recorded three hits and earned three runs until the Badgers forced a second inning.
Headed into the top of the third inning the Badgers trailed 4-0. An initial walk by Cadet pitcher Brittany Vandergroef putting Jordan Galluzo and the Badgers on base for the first time in the contest. Emily Marshall followed with a double of her own scoring the runner. Eventually, the Cadets got out of the inning holding the Badgers to one run. In the bottom of the third the Cadets capitalized and scored two runs of their own taking a demanding 6-1 lead.
Throughout the next inning both teams were strong defensively as they held either side from scoring. Vandergroef continued to be impressive as she retired the side in the top of the fifth inning recording her eighth strikeout of the afternoon. The strong defensive effort continued and the Cadets held the Badgers hitless for the remainder of the game while scoring two more runs to conclude the game winning by a score of 8-1.
With the loss the Badgers fall to 1-10 on the season and the Cadets improve to 5-6 overall.