For the first time in 338 days, the Hillsdale College softball team took the field for a game on Saturday in Dahlonega, Georgia.
Up against one of Division II's recent powerhouse teams, and a squad that already had four games under its belt, in West Florida, the Chargers came away with an encouraging doubleheader split to kick off the 2021 spring campaign, winning the first game 3-2 before falling 8-0 in the nightcap.
Hillsdale got the better of the Argonauts in Game 1 despite being outhit 7-5 and committing one error to West Florida's zero thanks to timely hitting and an excellent performance by senior pitcher Dana Weidinger in the circle.
Up against a ferocious West Florida batting order, Weidinger didn't overpower the Argos, striking out just one batter, but the veteran pitcher consistently threw strikes, finishing with no walks, and kept West Florida off balance for the complete game victory.
The win is Weidinger's 33rd of her career, moving her into a tie for sixth place all time in Charger history for career pitching wins with Sarah Klopfer ('16).
At the plate, the Chargers made the most of their five hits to overcome an early 1-0 deficit. The Chargers turned an Emma Johnson double in the top of the second inning into a run, as a fielder's choice by Natalie Stepanenko allowed pinch runner Grace Wallner to score from third and tie the game.
Hillsdale took the lead for good in the top of the third. Madison Stoner singled to left field with runners on first and second base and one out, driving in Sarah Wojcik to give the Chargers a 2-1 lead, and two batters later, Elaine Townley hit a double to left field to score Reagan Gensiejewski and put Hillsdale up 3-1.
West Florida got a run back in the bottom of the fourth to cut the Chargers' lead to 3-2, but Weidinger and the Hillsdale defense held the Argonauts to just two hits over the final three innings to secure the victory.
Townley went 2 for 3 at the plate to lead the Chargers in the first game, and Sarah Wojcik added a double and a stolen base as well.
The Chargers weren't able to sustain that momentum at the plate in the second game, as West Florida pitcher Kelsey Sweatt threw a complete game no-hitter to split the doubleheader.
Julia Sayles took the loss for Hillsdale in the second game, pitching three innings with two strikeouts and three walks, while freshman Erin Kapteyn pitched four innings of relief with two strikeouts and two walks for Hillsdale.
Hillsdale (1-1) faces another traditional national power on Sunday, as host North Georgia, ranked No. 2 in Division II in the NFCA preseason poll, hosts the Chargers for a doubleheader beginning at 9 a.m. tomorrow.
Photo by Camryn Olson