BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Eastern University Softball dropped its opening game in the 2025 NCAA Division III Regional Tournament on Thursday, 4-1, to Williams College. The Eagles took an early lead, but strong pitching and excellent defense from the Ephs kept the Eagles off the board the rest of the way.
The Eagles were limited to just four hits and eight total base-runners. Williams' starter Sadie Leonard came into today's game with an NCAA-best 238 strikeouts. While she only lasted three innings, all nine Eastern hitters she retired went down on strikes. While Williams reliever Kate Blanch was nearly as efficient— she allowed just one hit and struck out four in the final four frames — she made more use of her defense.
After a clean top of the first, the Eagles scored the game's first run in their half of the frame. After
Ainsley O'Donnell drew a walk,
Mackenzie Laub ripped a double to the left field fence to put the Eagles ahead. It was Eastern's only extra-base hit of the contest.
Eastern held its advantage through the second inning, but Williams' offense came to life in the top of the third. Justina Dunaway put the Ephs ahead for good with a two-run blast to left field. A few batters later, Dani Jackman followed with a two-run single, despite a heroic sliding effort from
Sophie Rollins, to make it a three-run advantage for Williams.
Eastern's best chance at a late rally came in the fourth. After
Jania Long walked, pinch runner
Kellie O'Brien advanced to second on a ground out.
Sophie Rollins hit a slicing line drive that looked to to be headed to the left-field corner. The Ephs' third baseman made a tremendous leaping catch and snapped a throw to second secured the inning-ending double play. Rollins hit a two-out single in the seventh. She was the only Eastern baserunner over the final three innings.
Long threw three scoreless innings in relief. The senior allowed just one hit and only two baserunners.
"Jania did a great job of hitting her spots," Eastern Associate Head Coach Gerry Mauro said. "Their starter did a great job in the strike zone early, and when we thought we were making adjustments, she was able to adjust to stay ahead. Credit to her."
This was the first meeting between the two programs. Williams (27-12) reached the Super Regionals last year before falling to eventual champion East Texas Baptist, and in 2023 the Ephs fell to eventual national runner-up Salisbury University in a Regional Final.
Eastern will play against Worcester State in the second game tomorrow for a chance to advance. The Lancers lost to the host Moravian Greyhounds in the opener earlier today. If Eastern wins the 1:30 game, the Eagles would take on the loser of tomorrow's opening game between Moravian and Williams. Eastern has never played against Worcester State.
