The Rowan softball team swept the Rutgers-Camden Scarlet Raptors in a doubleheader by scores of 9-1 and 9-2, respectively, on the team’s Senior Day.

In the first inning of Game 1, it was the seniors coming through for the Profs. McKenzie Melvin got it started with a double into the right-center field gap that bounced off the base of the wall. Payton MacNair followed with a single to score Melvin. MacNair scoring Melvin has been a reliable formula for the Profs throughout the season.

Rowan struck again in the bottom of the second, scoring two more runs. Seniors Liz McCaffery, Melvin, and MacNair all reached base with two outs. That brought up Abigail Pawlowski, who singled into center field to score both McCaffery and Melvin.

Then, the Profs added one run in both the fourth and fifth innings. McCaffery and Breanna Bryant each picked up RBIs to extend the lead to 5-0.

In the top of the sixth, starting pitcher Rylee Lutz gave up her only run of the game. It was another day, another solid start for Lutz. She did what she has consistently done in most of her starts at Rowan.

“I always jam in hard and inside,” Lutz said. “Sometimes I’ll throw outside just to keep them on their toes. Anything up and in, and outside as well.”

The Profs ended Game 1 early via run rule in the sixth. MacNair led off the inning with a double and was followed by Pawlowski, who hit a double to score her. Reim then reached on a throwing error that allowed Pawlowski to score. Kate Evick followed with a single to score Reim and make it 8-1. Rowan needed just one more run to secure the walk-off, and it was Melvin who came through again with a single to score Evick and win the game.

Game 2 began in similar fashion, with the Profs striking first. This time it was Reim picking up the first RBI, scoring McCaffery from third base.

Rutgers-Camden took its only lead of the day in the top of the second, when Emily Dubiago hit a double into the left-center gap to score both runners and give the Scarlet Raptors a 2-1 lead.

The Profs quickly responded in their half of the inning. Paige Russell led off with a walk, and Zara MacNair dropped down a bunt to put runners on first and second. Pawlowski then hit a double to score both runners. Two outs later, Payton MacNair singled to load the bases. A wild pitch allowed Zara MacNair to score. Pawlowski followed with another double to drive in both remaining runners. She finished the day with five RBIs in total.

“I had a lot of confidence today,” Pawlowski said. “I was in the zone and went up there trying to do damage, and I was able to.”

The team scored five more runs throughout the game, but it was effectively over once the Profs retook the lead. Emily McCutcheon pitched a strong three innings, giving up two runs. Makayla Veneziale came in to close out the game.

After the doubleheader, a Senior Day ceremony honored Bryant, Maeve Lougheed, Rylee Lutz, McCaffery, Melvin, and Veneziale.

“It was sentimental for me,” Lutz said. “It just feels great to have everyone here for me. It was a little emotional because the end is coming, but right now I’m trying not to think about that. I just want to keep winning.”

The legacy these seniors will leave on the Rowan softball program goes beyond just on-field success. It’s also about who they were off the field as leaders, teammates, and people.

“They are all great human beings,” head coach Kim Wilson said. “They came to college and played some softball at a high level. We’re going to miss them as leaders on our team. These are kids that are going to go out and do great things because they’re great human beings.”

One of the best examples of that legacy is the relationship between Melvin and Pawlowski.

“[McKenzie Melvin] helped me. I transferred in halfway through my freshman year,” Pawlowski said. “She was also a transfer in her freshman year. She helped me a lot during the spring of my freshman year. She’s had the biggest impact on me.”

Rowan will play its final regular-season games this Saturday, April 26, against Montclair State.

For comments/questions about this story DM us on Instagram @thewhitatrowan or email sports@thewhitonline.com