At this time last year, Hillsdale College softball seniors Dana Weidinger and Sam Catron had a tough decision to make.
Bid farewell to a collegiate softball career cut short by Covid-19, or use the extra year of eligibility the NCAA granted after the 2020 season was canceled to run it back and take one more shot at a memorable finish?
Both Weidinger and Catron chose to return -- and after Friday's history-making 1-0 win over Ohio Dominican in the NCAA Midwest Regional, it's safe to say that both seniors and the Hillsdale College softball program are more than happy with that choice.
Weidinger pitched an eight-inning shutout, scattering eight hits and striking out four batters in the most consequential start of her career -- and giving the Chargers the chance to claim victory in the bottom of the eighth.
Catron took advantage, slapping a single down the left-field line that scored Natalie Stepanenko from third base and gave Hillsdale the walk-off victory, their 33rd of the season and just the fourth NCAA Tourney win in program history.
It was Catron's 49th RBI of the season, tying a school record set by All-American Jessica Guertin in 2020, and the 120th RBI of her career -- but easily the most meaningful of any of them.
Hillsdale had three of their six hits in the decisive eighth inning. Stepanenko, the only Charger with multiple hits in the contest, led off the inning with a single, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and reached third on a single by Madison Stoner to set up Catron's game-winning hit.
Elaine Townley and Renee Bielawa each added a single as well for Hillsdale.
With the Charger offense struggling to push runs across against Ohio Dominican ace Sydney Long, Weidinger and the Hillsdale defense came through to force extra innings. Sarah Wojcik opened the game with a diving catch in centerfield to rob ODU's leadoff batter of a hit, setting the tone for a composed and error-free showing from Hillsdale in the field. The Panthers stranded three runners in scoring position that could have given ODU in regulation.
Hillsdale improves to 33-18 on the year, and will look to continue their deepest-ever NCAA Tourney run in the elimination bracket final against Indianapolis this afternoon.
Photo Credit: Ashley Cefali/GVSU Athletics