Playing against a tough schedule loaded with talented opponents has made the Roadrunner softball team one of the best NJCAA Division III junior college programs in the country.
Want proof? Take this past weekend for instance, when the Runners compiled a very solid 3-1 overall record following a sweep of RCSJ Cumberland Saturday and a split with Division II Lackawanna College on Sunday.
The Runners earned wins of 10-8 and 14-6 over the Dukes. They dropped the opener to Lackawanna by a 12-4 score before securing the split with a 10-1 triumph in Game 2. Coach Steve DePasquale's team, the No. 4 NJCAA Division III ranked team in the nation, improved their record to 17-6 overall.
"Our team hasn't lost two games in a row all season, so I like the character of our team's response when they do lose an occasional game," said DePasquale. "We play a very tough schedule -- and there's a reason we don't dodge the good teams. Our schedule makes us better."
Three players who have stepped up include freshmen Sabrina Finneran, outfielder Kamryn Kennedy, and infielder Emily MacGibeny.
Finneran, a former GCIT star, smashed two home runs and collected three RBIs in consecutive games to spark the wins over Cumberland Saturday. Kennedy, a former Highland Regional standout, chipped in with solid play at three different positions, including second base, right field and center field. MacGibeny, who played at Paul VI, continued her impressive 2021 season in which she has played outstanding defense while contributing a sizzling .465 batting average.
In addition, freshmen Selena Chila and Dionna Johnson hit their first collegiate home runs during the twinbill vs. Lackawanna.
"We're hitting the ball well and playing great defense," said DePasquale. "Hopefully we can stay healthy heading into the playoffs."
On the mound, freshman Lacey Abrego continued her fine season with the win in Game 2 versus Lackawanna, scattering four hits over five innings.
Next up for the Runners will be road games at Mercer County Community College on Tuesday in a doubleheader that starts at 3:00 pm.