A dreary weekend turned electrifying as the thus far undefeated softball team earned two satisfying wins at the Mason Cherry Blossom Classic in Fairfax, Va. Though the first three games of the weekend were canceled due to heavy rains, the Red (6-0) rallied on Sunday to produce wins against both the University of Albany and the hosting George Mason University.

Senior third baseman Elise Menaker explained that the poor weather had a significant impact on the Red’s level of excitement.

Winding up: Junior pitcher Elizabeth Dalrymple expresses that she appreciates how talent is dispersed throughout the entire team. - By: Beth Spergel“In the [Albany] game we really came out swinging, because we had been just sitting around for two days,” she said. “So we were anxious to play … we came out with a spark and we didn’t let it go.”

Indeed, Cornell started the game with immediate success, cracking four home runs in just the first inning. Albany (2-4) managed to score a single run in the second inning; but the Great Danes were no match for the Red, as Cornell players crossed the plate five more times before the game ended.

The 9-1 victory was truly the result of a collective team effort, as numerous Cornell players contributed in big ways for the Red. Senior first baseman Ashley Garvey had a particularly impressive game, finishing with two singles, two RBI’s, and a homer in the fourth inning. In addition, Menaker and senior second baseman Devon March both earned two runs and two RBI’s a piece. With all the players’ combined efforts, the Red can function well as a team.

“We have a lot of people contributing,” said junior pitcher Elizabeth Dalrymple. “It’s really great, because no matter who is on the field, you feel confident that they’ll do a good job.”

 The second game –– this time against George Mason University (3-7) –– got off to a much less powerful start, as the opposing team scored a run in the first inning, and Cornell went scoreless for the first two. However, in the third inning, junior center fielder Melissa Amiraian doubled and, thanks to a single from March, was able to score for the Red. Two more runs followed from March and Menaker, bringing Cornell into the lead.

In the fourth inning, the Patriots scored two runs; the ensuing tie continued until the sixth inning when Cornell’s Amiraian scored on an error by made by Mason’s catcher. Ultimately, the Patriots were never able to recover, and Cornell triumphed, 4-3.

The wins that Cornell earned this weekend can certainly be considered a confidence boost, although the team hardly seems to need it. With six victories in two weeks, the Red’s season is off to an incredible start. Needless to say, the energy level of the team is relatively high.

“It’s always great to start off on a high note,” Menaker said. “It gives you hope and confidence, and these games are definitely good preparation for Ivy League play, so that’s important.”

The presence of strong ties between teammates also remains a prominent factor in the Red’s success.

“The chemistry has been great … we’re all pretty happy,” Dalrymple said. “Our team gets along really well and I think that really shows when we step onto the field.”