Skipjacks sweep Rowan as win streak hits 4

COCOA BEACH, Fla. – Chesapeake College completed its women's softball spring break trip on a high note, sweeping a Tuesday doubleheader from Rowan College at Gloucester County.

Every starter had a hit and an RBI as the Skipjacks ripped Rowan in the opener, 17-6.  Chesapeake then topped the Roadrunners, 6-3, as winning pitcher Rachael Milligan spaced nine hits and broke the game open with a three-run, sixth-inning homer.

Chesapeake has won four straight and six of seven after a slow, error-filled start to its season.

"We hit the ball really well," said Chesapeake head coach Durrie Hayes, who shook up his batting order.  "The pitching was solid and the defense was solid."

Kara Wood started Game 1 but left with a back injury after two-thirds of an inning, yielding three unearned runs on two hits.  Chloe Day got the win in relief, allowing three runs on three hits over the final 4 1/3 innings with two strikeouts and a walk.

Eight starters had two hits each, with four of them – Milligan, Cat Ramagnano, Abby Nelson, and Savannah Miller – contributing doubles. Miller had a two-run double as part of a four-run first that erased a 3-0 deficit and put the Skipjacks ahead to stay.

In the nightcap, Milligan spaced nine hits while allowing three earned runs.  She finished with eight strikeouts and three walks, helping her own cause with her sixth-inning homer that turned a nervous, 3-2 lead into a 6-2 cushion.

Nelson led the Skipjack offense by going 3-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI.  Ramagnano (double), Kristen Catlin (RBI), and Caroline Clarry (triple) each had two hits.

The Skipjacks host Lackawanna College Saturday in a 1 p.m. doubleheader.

"We're looking forward to getting back to Maryland," said Hayes.

Chesapeake 17, Anoka-Ramsey CC 2

COCOA BEACH, Fla. – Tori Hughes (double, four RBI) and Jenna Willey (two RBI) each had three hits in Monday's Game 1 win over Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

Rachael Milligan pitched a five-inning complete game for the win, yielding two runs (one earned) with nine strikeouts and four walks.

Chesapeake 10, Anoka-Ramsey CC 0

COCOA BEACH, Fla. – Chloe Day pitched a four-hit shutout in the five-inning contest, striking out five with no walks, as the Skipjacks completed Monday's sweep.

Savannah Miller (double) went 2-for-3 for the Skipjacks while Abby Nelson (single, two walks) drove in three runs.  Chesapeake benefited from nine walks and a hit batter.