After an 0-4 start in February, softball gained its footing in march–sweeping Methodist.

The Panther offense jumped on Methodist early, scoring five runs in the first three innings.

First-year, Mirenda Shields walked, bringing home Emily Hopper.

In the second inning, first-year Nicole Emerson hit a 2-run homer–her first of the year.

The following inning, first-year Sophia Peters knocked in two more with a double to right center.

The score would stay 5-0 until the game’s finish.

Emily Wood, first-year, was in the circle for the Panthers and threw a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits, striking out six, and earning her first win of the season.

In game two of the doubleheader, the team had to work from behind, being down 2-0 going into the bottom of the third.

In that inning, the Panther offense struck back with four runs to take the lead.

Peters’ two-RBI single tied the game, junior Macie Bell gave the Panthers the lead on her double to left center, and junior Carsen Hogston capped the inning with an RBI single to center.

In the bottom of the sixth, the team was leading 4-3.

Kaylee Hughes’, sophomore, double to left center added an insurance run, and Hopper doubled to left center, scoring two more, stretching the lead to 7-3.

After a shutdown seventh inning from first-year Amber Greiner–who pitched a complete game, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits with four K’s–the Panthers swept, getting into the win column for the first time this season.

“We came out swinging against Methodist. We had great at bats and had a good understanding on what the pitchers were trying to do,” Head Coach Joshua Freeman said. “Hitting is contagious, and we started the day swinging a good bat and stayed hot throughout the day.”

The next day, Ferrum hosted Albion College in a double-header.

After sweeping on Saturday, the Panthers were swept on Sunday.

The team lost game one 8-6 and the following game 4-1.

“Albion was a tough day. I thought we were having really good at bats and hitting the ball hard, it just wasn’t falling,” Freeman said. “I think the back-to-back days with a young group has its challenges. The team gaining that experience will help us in the long run.”

Thursday, the Panthers traveled for the first time since opening weekend to Greensboro College.

The double-header resulted in two losses 11-3 and 8-4.

“Greensboro has been the best hitting team we have faced this year. We have to do a better job in all areas when facing teams that are hot like that,” Freeman said. “Play more solid defense, hit our spots in the circle, and continue to put up runs on the offensive side of the ball.”

The team closed out the break by playing in the Triangle Collegiate Softball Tournament in Raleigh, NC.

In game one, the team was shutout 8-0 against Maryville College.

In game two, the Panthers faced off against Muhlenberg College, and it came down to the final inning.

The team scored five runs in the first two innings, and held the lead 6-4 going into the bottom of the seventh.

After a one-out groundout, the team was leading 6-5 with two outs.

The next batter reached first on an error, which brought home two more runs, leading to a walk-off 7-6 loss for the Panthers.

“Saturday night was a tough loss,” Freeman said. “We played so well, and to end up losing was tough. The message was, we have to learn how to complete games, slam the door, when we are in that position. Another lesson learned for a young team.”

After dropping six in a row, the team rallied for two wins on Sunday both by a score of 9-1 against Gallaudet University and Marymount University.

“We have been playing good softball. We just haven’t been able to put together a full game of good softball. Sunday, we did,” Freeman said. “It shows us that we can be a very good softball team.”

Softball now shifts its focus to Sunday when they begin conference play at home against Roanoke.

“We know we can compete with everyone in the ODAC,” Freeman said. “Each game gives us another opportunity to show what Ferrum softball can do.”