Following a split versus Roanoke College to begin conference play, the Panthers hosted #17 Randolph-Macon in a double header, resulting in two loses 8-0 and 10-0.
In game one, the Panthers were kept quiet by the Yellow Jacket’s starter who threw a complete game with 12 strikeouts, allowing one hit.
The team’s lone hit came from first-year Sophia Peters, who singled up the middle to start the fifth inning.
Randolph-Macon’s three errors and one walk allowed for the Panthers to have a chance to get on the scoreboard late in the game.
“We had runners on in both games. We have to find a way to get the big hit and come up with some big, two-out hits. This has alluded us all year,” Head Coach Joshua Freeman said.
Macon jumped out to a quick lead in game two, going up 2-0 after two innings.
In the bottom half of the second, the Panther offense had life after first-year Mirenda Shields reached on an error, sophomore Riley Young singled, and first-year Emily Wood walked, loading the bases with nobody out.
An infield pop-up and two strikeouts left those runners stranded.
The following inning, Randolph-Macon would extend their lead to 7-0, putting up five in the third.
Two innings later the Yellow Jackets added three more, and after a scoreless bottom of the fifth from the Panthers, the game was called due to run rule, 10-0.
“Macon is a deep veteran team,” Freeman said. “We are young and learning how to play at the ODAC level. The experience of a few of these other top tier teams is pretty amazing.”
After 18 games the team is 5-13 overall with a 1-3 conference record, putting them in tenth place in the conference.
“We have to start using some of the experience we have had this year and apply them,” Freeman said.
He added that facing Roanoke and Macon–who placed third and tied for first last year–is a tough way to start conference.
This upcoming weekend, softball hosts two double headers.
This Saturday, the team welcomes the Bridgewater Eagles to the hill for a double header, starting at 1 p.m.
On Sunday, the Panthers will take on the Royals of EMU in a double header, beginning at 1 p.m.
“Every ODAC game is important,” Freeman said. “The key to winning is to play the best softball we can possibly play.”
