SWCC Struggles in Tough Opening Series Against Cleveland Community College

SWCC Struggles in Tough Opening Series Against Cleveland Community College
March 9, 2025

Game Recap: Softball
3/9/2025 | Shaun Schetka

 

Game 1: SWCC Shut Down by Cleveland’s Dominant Performance

Southwest Virginia Community College had a rough start to the weekend, falling 13-0 to Cleveland Community College on Saturday.

Cleveland wasted no time getting on the board, breaking through in the second inning with a Peyton Whitson RBI double and a two-run single from Swink. Things unraveled in the third, as Cleveland tacked on six more runs, including a three-run triple by Whitson.

SWCC struggled to generate any offense against Cleveland’s ace, Sayge Strange, who threw a one-hit shutout, striking out 11. Emma Wilcox took the loss for SWCC, giving up 13 runs (seven earned) over four innings.

Wilcox also had the only hit for SWCC, while Cleveland piled up 12 hits, led by Kassie Swink (3-for-4) and Peyton Whitson (2-for-4, 4 RBIs). Cleveland’s defense was rock-solid, going error-free.

Game 2: Cleveland’s Early Runs Sink SWCC

Cleveland Community College kept the pressure on with another dominant 11-0 win over SWCC in Saturday’s second game.

Cleveland jumped ahead in the first with four runs, sparked by an Austyn Dixon double and some defensive miscues. Sayge Strange extended the lead in the second with a towering two-run homer to center.

The third inning proved decisive as Cleveland plated five more runs, thanks to clutch hits from Peyton Whitson, Kassie Swink, and Dixon.

Cleveland’s Christian Beaver was lights out on the mound, tossing a no-hitter while striking out 10. Macie Adkins took the loss for SWCC, surrendering 11 runs (10 earned) over four innings.

Dixon, Strange, and Swink each picked up two hits and two RBIs for Cleveland, while the team also drew five walks. Once again, Cleveland’s defense was flawless.

Game 3: Massive Third Inning Fuels Cleveland’s Blowout Win

Cleveland Community College exploded for 15 runs in the third inning, rolling to a 22-0 win over SWCC on Sunday.

The scoring started early, with Cleveland scratching out runs in the first thanks to RBI hits from Austyn Dixon, Christian Beaver, Molly Beam, and Allison Seltzer. Dixon added a two-run homer in the second to pad the lead.

Then came the third inning, where everything went Cleveland’s way. Sayge Strange launched a three-run homer, Dixon and Kassie Swink doubled in multiple runs, and errors piled up for SWCC. When the dust settled, Cleveland had racked up eight hits and put the game completely out of reach.

Strange got the win in relief, allowing just one hit over three innings with four strikeouts. Emma Wilcox took the loss for SWCC, getting tagged for 14 runs (11 earned) in just over two innings.

Ciera Skeens had the only hit for SWCC. On the other side, Cleveland racked up 15 hits, led by Dixon’s monster game (4-for-5, 6 RBIs). The home team stayed perfect in the field with no errors.

Game 4: SWCC Falls After Rough First Inning

Cleveland Community College put up seven runs in the first inning and never looked back, handing SWCC an 11-2 loss on Sunday.

Cleveland wasted no time attacking, with Kassie Swink, Austyn Dixon, and Sayge Strange driving in runs before Peyton Whitson cleared the bases with a triple. Strange added a two-run homer in the second to keep the momentum going.

SWCC showed some life in the third when Emma Wilcox crushed a two-run homer to left, but Cleveland responded with another run to keep control.

Beaver picked up the win for Cleveland, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out six. Macie Adkins took the loss for SWCC, giving up 11 runs on 11 hits in four innings.

Wilcox (2-for-3, 2 RBIs) led the way for SWCC, while Cleveland’s Whitson and Strange both collected three hits. Cleveland’s defense remained perfect throughout the series.

What’s Next?

SWCC will try to turn things around when they travel to Wake Technical Community College next Saturday March 15th. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM.