Six days in the south were packed with competition for the softball team as they took on 10 games in Winter Haven, Fla. During the last two days of competition on March 12 and 13, the Orange and Blue finished off their trip winning three of the last four games. The Bison fell only to Hampton, marking victories against Saint Peter’s, Albany, and Valparaiso.

The team faced both St. Peter’s and Albany on March 12, winning the games 3-2 and 8-3 respectively. Dana Nielsen ’16 pitched the entire game versus St. Peter’s, allowing only six hits. For the majority of the game, the Orange and Blue fought neck and neck with St. Peter’s, stuck in a 1-1 tie. The game went on, advancing into extra innings with the Bison scoring the winning run in the ninth inning. The run was scored after Mariah Midyette ’16 hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Paulina Gutkin ’18 for the win.

Later that day, the Orange and Blue faced Albany, closing the day with a more decisive 8-3 win. Notable performances came from Cydnee Sanders ’15 and pitcher Amanda Fazio ’16. Sanders went three-for-four at bats with four RBIs, and Fazio pitched 10 strikeouts on the day.

March 13 brought two games versus Valparaiso and Hampton. Facing Valparaiso, Fazio again pitched another full game, giving up only five hits that were countered by her nine strikeouts. The Bison soared to a 6-2 victory after getting six hits in the game. The team’s only loss over two days was handed to the Bison by Hampton, who outscored the Bison 7-4. The Orange and Blue look to avenge the loss in their next game versus Lafayette on March 21.