The Drew University softball team rallied strong pitching and timely hitting toward a doubleheader sweep at Stevens Institute of Technology in its season opener Wednesday, March 2. The Rangers, in their first non-conference games since 2020, topped the Ducks 3-2 in game one and 6-4 in game two..
In the first game, after being held scoreless through the first four innings, the Rangers rallied in the top of the fifth to take a 2-1 lead after catcher Madi Baldwin (’24) capitalized on two Stevens errors, driving in a pair with a single to left. Drew tacked on another run one inning later when infielder Francesca O’Kleasky (’25) clocked a home run over the left field fence. In her collegiate debut, O’Kleasky finished 3-for-3.
Ace Bailey Comeau (’23) picked up the win after throwing a complete game and allowing just two hits through seven innings. She also recorded four strikeouts, including two back-to-back Ks to close out the fifth.
The Rangers picked up right where they left off for game two, quickly jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. In another impressive debut performance, pitcher Teagan Bradley (’25) did it all as she hit the first two runs of the game on a single up the middle before taking to the circle and firing seven strong innings.
Outfielder Molly O’Brien (’23) had a big day at the plate as well, going 2-for-3 with a walk and two RBIs after driving in two at the top of the seventh. She was also a part of the most impressive plays of the day in the second inning when she and outfielder Madi Precht (’22) executed a double steal, with Precht successfully stealing home on the maneuver.
The Rangers now leave the frigid temperatures of New Jersey for the sunny heat of Florida as they head down to Fort Myers for a 10-game spring break trip. Their first post-break game will be on Sunday, March 6 when they take on the Rochester Institute of Technology at 9 a.m.
