This past Sunday the Waynesburg University softball team took on the Hiram College Terriers on the road for a Presidents’ Athletic Conference doubleheader winning game one and losing game two.

In game one, five different players tallied up five RBI to allow Waynesburg to win game one with a final score of 5-3 thanks to a three-run sixth inning. 

Freshman pitcher Morgan Walt said the Yellow Jackets won game one off of their ability to have the right mindset when playing the game.

“We all had a positive attitude off and on the field. We also had some timely hits that we were able to use to our advantage,” Walt said. 

In the top of the first inning junior transfer Jamie Kelly hit a one-out double and one batter later was brought in by sophomore Meysa Heitmann and gave Waynesburg the early 1-0 lead. 

Walt got the start in the circle for the Yellow Jackets in game one. Walt entered the weekend with a 6-0 record on her season, completing all five games she started. Walt went through the first three innings not allowing a hit or any Terrier to get on base. 

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Hiram was able to get their first run and tie the game 1-1. 

Waynesburg immediately responded in the ensuing fifth inning when second baseman Brynn Charnesky laid down a sacrifice bunt helping bring home senior Kassidy Trimble from third base to give Waynesburg the 2-1 lead.

From there Hiram followed suit again in the bottom of the fifth bringing home two runs giving Hiram the 3-2 lead exiting the fifth inning. 

From there Waynesburg put together a three-run inning starting with a RBI triple from senior Braylee Corbin. The Yellow Jackets then had two more sacrifice fly RBI from freshman Lorryn Seppe and RBI single from Trimble to make it a 6-3 score and Waynesburg’s third lead of the game. 

Walt came back into the seventh inning and retired the Terriers in order to complete her sixth game of the season and get her seventh win. 

Walt believes that with the chemistry and bond the team has off of the field, that it allows them to win and compete in games this season. 

“We all have a strong bond off the field and it allows us to trust each other on the field. It also helps us pick each other up if something doesn’t go someone’s way,” Walt said. 

In game two however Waynesburg lost 11-3 in six innings, snapping the Yellow Jacket’s six-game winning streak. 

Waynesburg was behind in the first inning when Hiram was up 1-0. From there Waynesburg tied the game in the top of the second, but Hiram scored 10 runs over the next four innings to give the Terriers the conference win. 

Senior Bella DeMark, Kelly and Corbin all had an RBI for the Yellow Jackets. DeMark said despite the loss that the team is always active and cheering in their dugout. 

“We are a team who loves to be obnoxious in the dugout,” DeMark said. “So I think us playing loose in the first game did us good. We had some good defensive plays. And crucial hits when we needed them.” 

DeMark added that with being open in the dugout, that allows the team to be more open in the field. 

“Being loose in the dugout helps everyone stay into the game. As well as pick everyone up,” DeMark said. “I think it honestly does affect the team we are playing because it gives them competition. Especially when we are on a roll the cheering messes up the other team.” 

After Waynesburg’s split with Hiram the Yellow Jackets are still 24-10 overall and 12-6 in PAC competition. Waynesburg still holds the four seed in the PAC tournament and with one more win clinches a spot to the PAC tournament. 

The Yellow Jacket’s next game is today, April 21 when they host the St. Vincent Bearcats for a doubleheader at 2:00 p.m. 

DeMark believes that this team even coming off of a loss has a chance to win the PAC Championship as long as they can utilize their tight-knit community.. 

“I do think that this team has the potential to have another PAC tournament championship. We are a close knit family with power both offensive and defensive,” DeMark said. “If we can connect both of those at the same time 100% we will be there again.  We have a team to do this and the heart. Just need to connect it all together.”