Maryland softball entered Saturday’s doubleheader with a chance to earn its longest win streak of the season and get its record back to .500.
An offensive explosion in game one, followed by a pitching gem in game two, did just that.
The Terps opened the day with a 15-8 win over Providence before claiming another 8-1 victory over Fairfield at Maryland Softball Stadium.
Maryland’s offense set the tone from the jump against Providence. Outfielder Caitlyn Cornwell ripped a double down the third-base line, and two batters later, freshman catcher Zayda Rocke knocked a three-run home run to hand the Terps an early lead.
Providence responded with a second inning with a grand slam to tie the game 4-4.
But Maryland’s offense came right back in the bottom half with four runs of its own. Back-to-back bunts loaded the bases before infielder Anna McGowan delivered a grand slam of her own.
The Friars continued to apply pressure, taking advantage of defensive errors to cut the deficit to 8-7 by the fifth inning.
But Maryland secured its win in the sixth inning. Third baseman Matti Benson ripped a two-run double, and McGowan followed later in the inning with a two-run double to spark the Terps six-run sixth inning to clinch their victory.
“Benson’s had a really good week leading into this weekend, so it’s not surprising to see her do that well,” Karn said. “It’s exciting to kind of see her do what we know she’s capable of. Moving her in the lineup, it’s giving her some freedom to just put her swing on the ball and not put a lot of pressure on her job and the spot in the lineup, but really just trusting herself.”
Providence threatened in the seventh inning with a runner reaching first base, but Maryland recorded two strikeouts to close out the win.
Maryland carried that offensive momentum into their matchup with Fairfield.
The Stags took a 1-0 lead with a solo home run in the second inning, but that was the only time run it scored.
Maryland starting pitcher Caitlin Olensky pitched all seven innings, allowing just five hits and one run while the offense reached its stride.
Maryland took the lead with a 2-run third inning, while Benson continued her strong day with a solo home in the fourth.
The fifth inning was much of the same. First baseman Mariah Penta hit a two-run homer foolwed by a solo shot from Rocke — her second home run of the day.
McGowan added yet another homer in the sixth to give her 7 RBI on the day.
“They’re really paying attention to the way that they’re being sequenced,” Karn said. “They’re talking about what they’re seeing, where they’re seeing it, where pitchers are going against them. I think they’re coming up with really good game plans for themselves.”
With conference play approaching, Maryland believe their recent offensive rhythm is coming at the right time.
“We’re really excited about the way that we’re hitting,” Karn said. “We need to hit well tomorrow in order to beat UMBC, but if we can continue that throughout the week, it will give us as much confidence as we need going into Rutgers.”
