The #25 Middlebury softball team dropped a pair of decisions on Saturday at #12 Tufts. The Jumbos claimed game one by a 5-1 tally before earning a 16-1 win in five innings during the nightcap.  
 
GAME ONE HIGHLIGHTS

• The Panthers jumped out to an early 1-0 edge in the top of the first frame. Olivia Fleming doubled to left field and scored on a base hit to right center off the bat of Livy Schultz.
• Tufts took the lead in the second on a two-run base knock that bounded up the middle from Ella Malin and an RBI double to right center by Lauryn Horita for a 3-1 score.
• During the next time through the order, Mack Seibel plated Paige Murphy and Kaitlyn Perucci on a ball that found the grass in right center for a 5-1 edge.
• Jumbo pitcher Avery Kanouse retired the final 12 batters that she faced to preserve the four-run victory.

GAME TWO HIGHLIGHTS

• Scoreless through the first two innings, the Jumbos scored eight times on six hits in the third. Ella Malin capped the surge with a two-run single to center to put the hosts ahead 8-0.
• The Panthers got on the board in their next plate appearance. Fleming roped a leadoff single up the middle and later raced home on a single through the right side by McKenna Lont to make it an 8-1 contest.
• Tufts tallied eight runs in the fourth, including a grand slam from Heaven Oliva, sealing the 16-1 final score.

NOTES

• Kristyn Carroll collected her 50th hit of the season during the nightcap.
• The programs met for the 25th and 26th times.

Middlebury returns to action on Saturday at Williams. The first pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.