Softball Concludes the 2026 Season on the Road at Dean

FRANKLIN, Mass. - The Elms College Softball team traveled to Dean College for a conference doubleheader on Sunday afternoon for their final contest of the 2026 season.

BASICS
Game 1
Score: Elms College 5 | Dean College 13
Records: Blazers 3-29, 1-16 (GNAC) | Bulldogs 11-20, 7-10 (GNAC)

Game 2
Score: Elms College 1 | Dean College 4
Records: Blazers 3-30, 1-17 (GNAC) | Bulldogs 12-20, 8-10 (GNAC)

HOW IT HAPPENED
Game 1
In the top of the first inning, junior infielder/pitcher Jill Dykema (Preston, Conn.) would hit a double, but the Dean defense would keep the Elms offense from scoring in the inning. Junior pitcher/outfielder Kaelyn Zakaitis (Amherst, Mass.) would take the ball for the Blazers in the first game of the afternoon. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs would score three runs in the bottom of the first. The Dean offense would add to their lead after scoring a run in the bottom of the second inning. In the third inning, junior utility player Amanda Raymond (Auburn, Maine) would reach base on an error committed by the center fielder and junior pitcher/utility player Caity Flynn (Colchester, Conn.) would relieve Zakaitis in the pitcher's circle. In the top of the fourth inning, first year utility player Cheyann Goddard (Pittsfield, Mass.) would earn a walk, followed by a single by first year catcher/utility player Lizzie Jamrog (Suffield, Conn.). Then with runners on first and second base, first year catcher/utility player Jordyn Rossi (West Springfield, Mass.) would hit a single to drive in Goddard for the first run for Elms. However, the Bulldogs would add five more runs in the bottom half of the inning. In the top of the fifth inning, Raymond would hit a single, followed by a walk to Dykema. Jamrog would then reach base on an error committed by the left fielder and both base runners would score to bring the score to 9-4. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Dean would score a run to extend their lead to six runs. In the sixth inning, Rossi would hit a lead off single and would later score when sophomore infielder Nyah Colon (Springfield, Mass.) would hit a single and advanced to second base on an error committed by the catcher. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs would score three runs in the bottom half of the inning to defeat the Blazers 13-5 in the first game.

Game 2
In the top of the first inning, the Elms offense would begin creating some offensive momentum, following a single from Raymond, leading into a stolen base. Moments later, Dykema would earn a walk, Raymond would advance to third base on a passed ball, and Dykema would steal second base. Then with two runners in scoring position, Goddard would hit a sacrifice fly to the center fielder and Raymond would tag up and score the opening run of the game. Sophomore pitcher Reece Hebert (North Haven, Conn.) would start the game for the Blazers in the pitcher's circle, and would end the bottom of the first with a swinging strikeout and keep Dean scoreless. However, the Bulldogs would tie the game in the bottom of the second inning. The two teams would hold each other scoreless in the third and fourth innings, Rossi would earn a walk in the top half of the fifth, but in the bottom of the fifth inning, Dean would take the lead after scoring two runs. In the sixth inning, Hebert would throw two swinging strikeouts, but the Bulldogs would extend their lead by a run. Going into the seventh inning, the Elms offense would look to create a rally, with Jamrog hitting a lead off single. However, the Dean defense would record the three final outs to defeat the Blazers 4-1 to finish the 2026 season for Elms.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Raymond: two hits, two runs scored, and a stolen base.

• Dykema: a hit, with a double, a run scored, two walks, and a stolen base.

• Goddard: a run scored, a run batted-in, and a walk.

• Jamrog: two hits and a run scored.

• Zakaitis: would pitch two innings.

• Flynn: would pitch three and ⅔ innings.

• Rossi: two hits, a run scored, a run batted-in, and a walk.

• Colon: a hit.

• Hebert: would pitch six innings, with three strikeouts.

UP NEXT: The Elms Softball team have concluded the 2026 season and look forward to competing again in 2027.

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