Softball splits double-header with Delaware

The George Mason Softball team split their double-header with Delaware Saturday afternoon on their home turf. The Patriots went on to win the first game by a score of 1-0, before dropping the final game, 2-0. The team has been involved in seven shutouts over its past seven games, including these two contests. They struggled to a record of 2-5 over those seven games.

In the first of the series, the Patriots found success by putting a runner on second base in three straight innings. But even with five hits on the board, the game remained scoreless. As the bottom of the 5th approached, Mason dug deep and looked for that one run.

"Freshmen fire power,” it’s called.

The first-year catcher Tiffany Webb stood at the plate with the chance to give mason the lead. Her RBI single in the bottom of the 5th was all Mason needed as they went into the 6th holding the lead. It was one, two, three in the bottom of the 6th, as the Patriots took the field for one more stand.

It proved to be the day for putting freshman in the pressure cooker. After an inning full of high-nerves for the freshman Webb, head coach Joe Verbanic called on another freshman to close the deal.

Pitcher Stephanie Maher fought her way through the final three outs to earn Mason the win and receive her first save of the season.

In game two, it was Delaware doing the damage, as they jumped out early with a few hits of their own. Two quick runs off the bat of the Blue Hens, gave them all the runs necessary for the win.

Pitcher Kathleen Conway of Delaware was also an important part of the equation for her team, as she was able to strike out 14 batters over 7 innings.

But just like the first game, Mason had a chance to take the lead with two runners in scoring position and a batter at the plate in the 7th.

This time it wasn't the freshman taking the pitches. The lone Mason senior Stephanie Strother stood in, but Conway fanned her to seal the deal for her Delaware team.

Delaware improves to 8-18 on the season, while Mason drops to 10-12. The Patriots will play one more game against Delaware starting Sunday at noon, before heading on the road to play George Washington.