Softball kicked off its 2024 season in Los Angeles, CA, on Sunday, February 18, against Occidental College. The team swept Occidental in a doubleheader with a score of 3-1 in the first game and 5-2 in the second game. Game one saw first-year Elizabeth Kirstein’s first career home run, and in game two, sophomore Emily Wohlleber had two RBIs.
In the two games against the Occidental Tigers, Stevens limited their opponents to only eight hits. Sophomore pitchers Kyra Fischer and Ashley Allen secured their initial wins of the season, combining for a total of five strikeouts and only one walk. This marks the first time the Ducks have started a season with a 2-0 record since 2021, when they achieved an initial 3-0 start with victories over King’s College. These wins bring Stevens to a 2-2 historical record against the Tigers, a stark contrast to their matchups in 2013, where Stevens went 0-2.
The first game began with a scoreless first inning for both teams until Kirstein singled, marking her first career hit, although the Ducks ultimately failed to score. The offensive momentum shifted in the fourth inning when junior Madison Subbiondo walked, followed by a series of plays that culminated in Kirstein hitting a three-run homer to left field, propelling Stevens to a 3-0 lead. Despite the Tigers’ efforts, including a solo home run, the Ducks maintained their lead, ending their first game of the season with a 3-1 win.
The second game saw immediate action from Stevens, with senior Jessica Guerrero walking and succeeding strategic plays, including a sacrifice bunt from junior Megan Curtis and singles by Kirstein and Subbiondo, giving the Ducks an early 1-0 lead. The advantage was extended in the fourth inning through singles by first-year Maria Dante and junior Emma Ruiz and a double from Wohlleber, establishing a 3-0 lead. Allen’s pitching limited the Tigers to just three hits over six innings. Though the Tigers scored in the seventh inning, Stevens ultimately secured the victory at a margin of 5-2, leaving Los Angeles with a 2-0 record.
Throughout the double-header, first-years Kirstein, Dante, Emma Quattrochi, and Adrianna Albano made their collegiate debuts. Kirstein’s debut was impressive, as she contributed four RBIs, four hits, and a run. Fischer and Allen pitched complete games in their respective matches, with Fischer allowing only one run and Allen only allowing two. Subbiondo had two hits, one RBI, and scored one run, while Ruiz had two hits and also scored a run, contributing to the team’s success.
Looking ahead, the Ducks are set to face Hunter College in a doubleheader at home on Wednesday, February 28. The team holds a favorable 12-3 all-time record against the Hawks, and they have won the last six matchups.
