Clinton, S.C. – The Le Moyne College softball team opened the 2026 season in a two-game set against the University of Dayton and invitational host Presbyterian College on Friday afternoon. The Dolphins dropped game one, 7-3, against the Flyers before coming up short, 2-1, against the Blue Hose in game two.
Game 1:
Following a hitless top of the first, Dayton came to bat and put immediate pressure on the 'Phins in the bottom of the inning as right fielder Camrynn Linneman singled through the left side off of Le Moyne's sophomore starter Isabella Kwashek (West Deptford, N.J. / West Deptford) to open the inning before advancing to third on a single from first baseman Katelin Goodwin two batters later. The next Flyers' batter, catcher Deirdre Flaherty, drove in both runners with a double to left center to put Dayton up, 2-0, early.
The Flyers added another run in the bottom of the second as Linneman reached on a fielding error while center fielder Mickie Shively, who reached on a throwing error earlier in the inning, came around to score on the play.
The Dolphins cracked the scoreboard and lessened their deficit in the top of the fourth as junior right fielder Sydney Nesci (Cicero, N.Y./Cicero-North Syracuse) doubled to lead off the frame before junior DP Arianna Exarchakis (Monroe, N.Y./Monroe-Woodbury) reached base on a walk. Nesci crossed the plate two batters later as sophomore center fielder Maddie Martin (Carlisle, Pa. / Cumberland Valley) reached on a fielding error and the lead runner was given enough time to head home.
In the next-at bat, senior left fielder Avery Linn (Bethpage, N.Y./Plainedge) singled through the right side to drive in Exarchakis' pinch runner, freshman Kayla Dunkerley (Purcellville, Va. / Loudon Valley).
Neither team was able to add on until the bottom of the fifth as a left field double from Flaherty brought shortstop Kirnan Bailey around to score for Dayton.
The Dolphins struck right back in the top half of the sixth as Martin reached first on a bunt single to lead-off and later came around to score on a double to left center off the bat of junior shortstop Shannon Gavigan (Havertown, Pa/Haverford).
The Flyers were able to put three runs together in their half of the inning and sealed their early-season victory on a trio of bases-loaded at-bats. First, Linneman reached base on a hit-by-pitch to score a run just ahead of Bailey who singled to left center to bring across another.
Following a pitching change for Le Moyne, Goodwin drove in the seventh and final run of the game for Dayton on a grounder to second.
Kwashek allowed seven runs (five earned) on eight hits, two walks, and one strikeout over 5.0 innings, while fellow sophomore Danni Simpson (Marietta, G.A./Sprayberry) appeared in relief and tossed 1.0 scoreless inning, allowing no hits and one walk.
Game 2:
Both teams struggled offensively through game two as neither team recorded more than five hits in the matchup.
Presbyterian got on the board early, scoring both of their runs in the bottom of the second off freshman starting pitcher Tatum Nessman (Calgary, Alberta / National Sport School). Third baseman Cierra Grice was hit by a pitch to start the inning, just before left fielder Morgan Farthing singled to right center.
Both runners advanced a base before right fielder Gracie Decuir reached on a fielding error that allowed the lead runner to reach home. One batter later, center fielder Ava Coggins flied out to deep center with enough distance to drive in Farthing.
The two squads combined for one hit over the next inning and a half, before senior first baseman Audrey Benderski (Spring Lake Park, Minn./Spring Lake Park) slammed a solo homerun to center field to lead-off the top of the fifth inning.
The Blue Hose recorded just one more hit in the game but their pitching staff was able to keep the Dolphins scoreless as they came away with a 2-1 victory.
Nessman pitched all 6.0 innings for Le Moyne, allowing two runs (zero earned) on five hits, one walk, and two hit batters while striking out five in her collegiate debut.
What's Next:
Le Moyne (0-2) will get right back into action at the PC softball Complex on Saturday morning, facing off against Morehead State at 11:45 a.m.
