MYRTLE BEACH, SC - The Vermont State University Johnson Softball team opened its 2024 season in Myrtle Beach, SC, with back-to-back double headers held across Monday and Tuesday. Monday afternoon saw the Badgers take the field for the first time this season against the Brunswick CC Dolphins, where they would drop each depsite their early season energy. While the Dolphins quickly opened a lead in game one, the Badgers held them close through the opening innings in game two. A ten-pitch second inning from first-year Dallas Roark and 13-pitch fifth from fellow first-year Turtle Trancosa showcased the team's ability to shut down an opposing team's momentum, providing opportunities to chip away at the deficit. While the Badgers fell to the Dolphins two games to none, they walked away with three runs from as many players, contributed by Matea Smith, Audrey Tembreull, and Nikki Sweet.

Johnson returned to the field Tuesday afternoon for another double header, this time against the Southeastern CC Rams. The Badgers came out the gate strong, stringing together a three-run first inning that saw them take the lead at 3-2. A leadoff single from Trancosa jumpstarted things for Johnson, followed by teammate Tembreull two batters later after withstanding a HBP. With two outs and runners on first and second, Regan Crowe drilled a liner that would score Transcosa and put two back on base. A paitent eye and walk from Gabi Lafreniere loaded the bases for the Badgers, setting Grace Allen up for a two-run single before the opening inning came to a close. The Badgers would lead 4-2 by the end of the second, but the balls just would not seem to land in their favor for the remainder of game. The Rams maintained pace through the second game of the series, walking away with a pair of wins on the day.

The Johnson Badgers return to action after a day off with back-to-back games Thursday morning, in Myrtle Beach, against Monroe CC (10 am) and Shawnee St. (12 pm).

Notes: Grace Allen and Regan Crowe closed the four-game stretch batting a combined 4-18 with four RBIs and one run. Audrey Tembreull and Matea Smith combined for four runs through the stretch while Tembreull added an extra-base hit with a double against Brunswick. Crowe and Roark combined for 10 total strikeouts, with five and six, respectively.