Bay Path Holds On in 5-4 Win Over Southern Maine CC

Wildcats win Opening Round USCAA Softball Game 5-4 over defending USCAA National Champions 5-4.  Bay Path built a five-run middle innings surge and held off a late Southern Maine Community College rally to earn a 5–4 win Monday afternoon (May 11, 2026).

After four scoreless frames, Southern Maine CC struck first in the bottom of the fourth. With runners moved into scoring position, Jayden Tripp laid down a sacrifice bunt that brought home Ariana Cross for a 1–0 lead.

Bay Path answered immediately—and decisively—in the top of the fifth. Sophie Verrengia scored the tying run on a wild pitch, setting the stage for the game's biggest swing: Madison Sunderland launched a three-run home run to center, pushing Bay Path in front 4–1. Although Bay Path managed only three hits all game, patience at the plate fueled the inning; the visitors drew nine walks overall and repeatedly put pressure on SMCC pitcher Sloan Scotvold.

Southern Maine CC responded right back in the bottom of the fifth with three runs to erase the deficit. Ella Voth drove in a run on a fielder's choice, Drea Rideout ripped an RBI triple, and Ariana Cross followed with an RBI single to tie it 4–4. Southern Maine finished with eight hits, including Rideout's triple, but couldn't find the go-ahead run.

The deciding run came in the sixth. Caroline Austin, who reached base three times and scored twice, came home on Madison Tessmer's sacrifice fly to right to put Bay Path ahead 5–4. Two of Bay Path's five runs were unearned as both teams combined for five errors (Bay Path 2, Southern Maine 3).

In the circle, Sunderland worked the complete game for the win, allowing eight hits and four earned runs while striking out eight without issuing a walk. Scotvold took the loss despite pitching all seven innings, finishing with nine strikeouts but also nine walks and two wild pitches in a high-traffic outing (155 pitches).

Bay Path closed out the final inning to secure the one-run victory in a 1:44 contest played in Dubois, Pennsylvania.

The victory ends a two-year winless drought going 0-4 in previous games.

Bay Path now moves on th face Penn State New Kensington at 6 pm on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.