Softball Recap: Gardner Takes a Loss

Gardner extended their losing streak to three on Friday, dropping their season record down to 5-4 in the process. They took a 7-4 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Maynard Tigers. The Wildcats were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Tigers apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in May of 2024.

As for Maynard, their win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 5-1. Those road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.0 runs on average over those games.

For Maynard's part, Jillian Macfarlane made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out 13 over seven innings pitched. Macfarlane has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with one run, one double, and one RBI. What's more, she posted two hits, the most she's had since back in May of 2024.

In other batting news, Elizabeth Schmidt and Maddy Karlon did most of the damage at the plate: Schmidt went 2-for-5 with one triple, one run, and one double, while Karlon went 2-for-4 with three RBI and one double. That triple was Schmidt's first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Neveah Duplessis, who went 3-for-4 with two runs.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Gardner will host Algonquin Regional at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The Wildcats will need to watch out since the Titans have now posted at least ten runs every time they've taken the field this season. As for Maynard, they will look to defend their home field on Tuesday against Narragansett Regional at 3:45 p.m.