After a sunny trip to Florida for the Rebel Games, the softball team was forced to cope with the reality of Ithaca weather as today’s doubleheader against Colgate was postponed.
The Red is currently 12-8, having left the Sunshine State with a 6-8 mark. The trip was a rather illuminating examination of where the team stands.
Highlights included the play of sophomore captain Kate Varde and newcomer Lauren May.
Varde, who last year broke out over spring break and eventually was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year honors, once again got her rhythm going at the plate down south. Varde hit just under .400 for the stretch and was solid in her new position in center field.
May, showing echoes of her sophomore counterpart’s performance in Florida last year, also displayed her offensive prowess over the grueling week.
May hit a remarkable .343 for the week including 18 RBIs and an incredible six home runs. The six four-baggers bring her total to 10 for the season, with only more power to come as the season progresses.
For her efforts May was named Ivy League Player and Rookie of the Week. It is a unique combination that is not often given simultaneously.
The one major weak point for the Red on its trip was defensive lapses. It was a constant terror as the Red gave up runs late in close games due to fielding miscues.
Cornell actually faced and defeated the Raiders at the Rebel Games in a 4-1 heart stopper.
Sophomore Sandra Alvarez provided the heroics for the Red in the contest, sending a ball over the left field fence in the bottom of the fifth with two runners on.
Sophomore pitcher Nicole LePera was on the mound for the Red and held its in-state rival to just one run in her seven innings of work.
Cornell was looking for another shot at the Raiders but the snow, rain, and various other precipitation plaguing Ithaca lately have pushed the rematch back. A date for the doubleheader has not been set.
Archived article by Scott Jones