JOHNSON, VT – The Vermont State University Johnson Softball program leaned into the theatrics Tuesday afternoon, securing back-to-back wins in the day's doubleheader in dramatic fashion. Both games saw the Badgers erase large deficits late in each game to secure come-from-behind wins with extra base hit walk-offs.
In game one, the SUNY Canton Roos came out strong, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first frame and adding to it in the fourth to go up 4-0. Roos pitcher Caitlin Reed was dominant on the mound, eliminating the side in three straight innings, recording nine consecutive outs. The Badgers found their rhythm though in the bottom of the fifth, loading the bases with lead off singles from Gabi Lafreniere and Caitlyn Morey and a walk from Turtle Trancosa. Regan Crowe put the ball in play to score both Trancosa and Morey, followed by teammate Taylor Reddick's one-run single before wrapping the frame with a score of 4-3.
The momentum continued for the Badgers in the final two innings of the game. Matea Smith led off the sixth with a single, to then be driven in by Lafreniere from a deep double to left, before the Roos regained their composure, recording three straight outs. After holding Canton to no bases in the seventh, the Badgers returned to the plate and quickly put runners in scoring position. A drive to deep right center from Reddick pushed Tembreull across the plate from second to close game one.
The Badgers returned to the field after a short break to kick-off game two, in a familiar way. A big fourth inning for the Roos extended their lead to 5-1, once again putting the Badgers down by four in the fourth. Johnson showed maturity, remaining calm, as they chipped away once again. A two-out rally in the fourth was led by Tembreull, driving in Nikki Sweet and advancing Trancosa to third, both of whom had reached base by walks. Smart baserunning shrank the deficit, as Tembreull's steal to second allowed Trancosa the opportunity to then sneak away from third, stealing home.
After allowing a run in the top of the sixth, the Badgers responded with a two-out, two-run effort. With runners on the corners, Reddick singled to score both Crowe and Sweet, entering the final inning down by one. After dropping the first two outs of the final frame, chances were slim for the Badgers, but patience won out. Sweet, Trancosa, and Tembreull remained calm at the plate to manage three straight walks, putting Crowe up to the plate, down one, two outs, bases loaded. As if from a script, Crowe smashed a liner to center field, scoring Trancosa and Sweet to secure a second come-from-behind walk-off for the day.
The Badgers look to continue their momentum this Friday at SUNY Delhi, with a doubleheader slated with a first pitch time of 3 pm.