After starting the season on an impressive four-game wining streak, the softball team will head to Fairfax, Va., this weekend to take part in the Mason Cherry Blossom Classic.

“I’m really excited for this weekend. I’m hoping that we win all five [games]. There’s a good chance of that happening,” said freshman left fielder Kristen Towne.

A good chance, indeed. In three out of its first four games of the season, the Red held its opponents to a stingy one run per game. Last year’s Ivy League Player of the Year, Elizabeth Dalrymple, picked up right where she left off, collecting two wins in as many starts while striking out 19 batters in 11 innings, and maintaining a .64 ERA.

On the offensive side, Cornell had no trouble making its way around the bases, averaging seven runs per game and twice cracking double digits. As a team, the Red is hitting .368 with an on-base percentage of .468.

Senior third baseman Elise Menaker has played a huge role in the team’s offensive outburst. She homered, knocked in five runs and crossed home three times in the span of four games. Her efforts earned her Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week accolades. Starting off 'Red' hot: After being named offensive player of the week, third baseman Elise Menaker (44) and the Red return to action undefeated this season. - By: Lindsay Myron

Following in her footsteps, Towne was awarded Rookie of the Week for her stellar play at the plate. She batted .364, picked up five RBI’s and made no errors in 11 opportunities in the field. Towne also belted a home run in her very first collegiate game.

“It was a surreal moment,” she said of the home run. “You could ask my teammates –– after the home run, I couldn’t stop smiling for the rest of the game.”

As part of the weekend’s proceedings, the Red will play Niagara University today, the University of Albany and George Mason University tomorrow and the University of Albany again and Mount Saint Mary’s College on Sunday.

Cornell hopes to build off the momentum from its successful opening weekend.

“Picking up those four wins to start the season was a big confidence builder,” Towne said. “When we win, we loosen up, and that’s when we play best.”