After playing softball for the University of Mount Union for the past three years, I had the opportunity to be on the opposite end of the game. I was lucky enough to be able to commentate the Purple Raiders’ OAC home opener this past Sunday, March 22nd. This team is undeniably special. The amount of talent on and off of the field shines through in the athletes energy and passion for the game of softball. 

The Raiders dominated the first game of the double header beating Capital University in just five innings with a score of 8-0. During the second game, it took the Raiders a few innings to get their bats rolling, but once they got hot, they did not stop. It was a close game up until the sixth inning where the Purple Raiders scored six runs ending the game in a mercy rule finish with a final score of 10-2. It was an incredible time being able to call the game for my former teammates and keep myself involved in the game after graduating college this past December.

Freshman Addy Antonetz has been a stand out player for the softball team leading the way with 20 RBI’s and five home runs on the season, two of which she had in Sunday’s double header. Antonetz was not the only girl with a hot bat on Sunday. Senior Kaitlyn Culver had herself a day with two triples, one double and one homerun. Senior Sydney Mercer also had a home run during the second game. Senior Kendyll Cahill was dominant on the mound during both games. Cahill, sophomore Emma Reemsnyder, and junior Haleigh McCalla all contributed in pitching during the first game and pitched a combined no hitter. 

The Raiders have had a stellar start to their season with a record of 10-4. The team’s next home games are Tuesday, March 24th at 3p.m and 5p.m where they will take on Penn State Behrend. This is a team you will not want to miss this season, be sure to come out and support the Purple Raider softball team or tune into FloSports, and listen to me talk about these wonderful women!