As the sun set on the Stevens Institute of Technology softball team’s regular season, the Ducks found themselves facing off against a familiar foe in Misericordia. The stage was set for a thrilling finale, with the Ducks looking to ride a wave of momentum into the postseason. But Misericordia had other plans, bringing a fierce competitive spirit to the table that would ultimately prove too much for Stevens to overcome. In a hard-fought contest that saw both teams give it their all, the Cougars emerged victorious, sending the Ducks into the postseason on a sour note.
Stevens Institute of Technology Softball Team’s Struggle
The Stevens Institute of Technology softball team faced a tough outing in their regular season finale, dropping both ends of a Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom doubleheader to Misericordia University on Sunday.
Game One: A Tough Start
Misericordia took an early lead in the opener, scoring once in the first on a sacrifice fly and adding an RBI double in the second to go up 2-0.
However, Stevens cut the lead in half in the third, as Emma Guerrero launched a solo home run to left-center, making it 2-1. The senior’s home run was her second of the season and the 10th of her career. Guerrero also reached 40 hits in a season for the second time in her career.
Game One: Misericordia’s Dominance Continues
Misericordia added to their lead with an RBI single in the fourth, but further damage was prevented as the Ducks cut down a runner at third base. However, the Cougars broke the game open in the bottom of the sixth, scoring eight runs on five hits, including a pair of home runs.
The Stevens defense faltered in the sixth, allowing Misericordia to take an 11-1 lead, which would be the final score. Fischer struck out six over five innings in the opener.
Individual Performances Shine Despite Loss
Despite the loss, several individual performances stood out for Stevens. In game one, Guerrero, Emma Quattrochi, and Riley Lawrence had the lone hits for the Ducks.
In game two, Curtis went 3-for-3, scoring both of Stevens’ runs. Carmelita Murphy-Brown went 2-for-3, while Hsu recorded both RBIs in the nightcap.
The Ducks will face Misericordia in the opening game of the 2025 MAC Freedom Tournament in Annville, Pa., on Thursday, with game time to be determined.
Softball Topped By Misericordia In Regular Season Finale
The Stevens Institute of Technology softball team fell to Misericordia University in both ends of a Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom doubleheader on Sunday. The Ducks dropped the opener 11-1 in six innings before losing the nightcap 10-2 to the Cougars.
Notable Hitters: Guerrero, Quattrochi, and Lawrence
In game one, Emma Guerrero, Emily Quattrochi, and Riley Lawrence recorded the lone hits for Stevens. Guerrero’s home run was her second of the season and the 10th of her career. The senior also reached 40 hits in a season for the second time in her career.
Standout Players in Game Two: Curtis, Murphy-Brown, and Hsu
In the second contest, Stevens’ Curtis went 3-for-3, scoring both of the team’s runs. Carmelita Murphy-Brown added a 2-for-3 performance, while Hsu recorded both RBIs in the nightcap. Curtis’ perfect game and Hsu’s RBI single were notable highlights in an otherwise tough outing for the Ducks.
Post-Game Analysis and Implications
A Tough End to the Regular Season
With the losses, Stevens finishes the regular season with a 20-20 overall record and a 9-5 mark in the MAC Freedom standings. Despite the tough ending, the team will look to regroup and refocus as they head into the postseason.
Looking Ahead to the MAC Freedom Tournament
The Ducks will face Misericordia in the opening game of the 2025 MAC Freedom Tournament in Annville, Pa., on Thursday. The rematch provides Stevens with an opportunity to bounce back from the regular season finale and make a strong push in the tournament.
The game time for Thursday’s matchup is still to be determined. Morningpicker will provide updates and coverage of the MAC Freedom Tournament as the action unfolds.
Conclusion
As the regular season finale came to a close, the softball team faced off against Misericordia in a highly anticipated matchup. Despite a valiant effort, the team ultimately fell short, unable to overcome the opposition’s strong performance. The loss serves as a harsh reminder of the team’s current standing and the need for improvement moving forward.
The significance of this game cannot be overstated, as it marked a critical turning point in the season. The loss to Misericordia highlights the team’s struggles against top-tier competition and underscores the importance of refining their skills and strategy. As the team prepares to enter the postseason, they will be forced to confront their weaknesses and develop a plan to overcome them. With the stakes higher than ever, the team must come together and find a way to gel as a cohesive unit if they hope to achieve success.