The Rowan University Profs are heading back to the Division III Softball Championship for the fourth consecutive season after shutting out Colby College, 3-0, Friday afternoon in the Glassboro Super Regional.
An early two-run blast from Ava Fisher and another dominant pitching performance helped punch Rowan’s ticket back to Salem, Virginia.
The Profs wasted no time jumping on the Mules. Batting as the designated away team in Game 2, Zoey Rogers reached base and came around to score after Fisher crushed a pitch on the outer half over the right field fence to give Rowan an early, 2-0 lead.
“We got the home run ball, which we don’t always get a lot of, but that was a big deal,” head coach Kim Wilson said.
The home run also allowed Rowan to execute a pitching plan Wilson and her staff had discussed before first pitch. Although Emily McCutcheon was listed as the starter, Wilson immediately turned to BethAnne Doderer after the first inning.
“That was the plan,” Wilson said. “We knew Beth was going to have to throw if we advanced.”
Doderer delivered in a huge spot for the Profs. The sophomore tossed 3.2 scoreless innings while allowing six hits and only one walk. Colby threatened multiple times, including bases-loaded situations, but Rowan’s defense repeatedly came through.
“I thought everything was clicking,” Wilson said. “Whether it was defense or catching, we were able to shut them down.”
The Profs added another insurance run in the third inning when Kate Evick lined an RBI single up the middle scoring Rogers and extending the lead to 3-0.
McCutcheon returned to the circle later in the game and slammed the door shut. The senior struck out four and only allowed one hit over the final 3.1 innings as Rowan completed back-to-back shutouts against the Mules.
“Honestly, just trusting my defense,” McCutcheon said. “Everybody knows they’re going to make plays behind me.”
Defensively, Rowan once again looked elite. Freshman left side infielders Rogers and Maggie Funston made several difficult plays throughout the afternoon despite Funston battling through two errors earlier in the game.
“I think Maggie [Funston] and I do a really good job of calming each other down,” Rogers said. “Our upperclassmen always have our backs.”
The victory sends Rowan back to the Division III College World Series for the third straight year and marks the fourth consecutive trip to Salem for the Profs senior class.
“It’s really cool to see all the rookies celebrate it,” McCutcheon said. “We’ve had four different teams going there over the years, so being able to create that impact on them is really special.”
Now Rowan turns its attention toward Salem with momentum and confidence after another dominant postseason showing.
“We’re a complete team,” Wilson said. “I think we have the opportunity to do something special.”
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