GOSHEN, Ind. – With the final home games of the season and an opportunity to recognize the four Maple Leafs seniors, the Goshen softball team clinched a spot in the Crossroads League Tournament on Friday. Goshen won the first Senior Day game 7-5, but Huntington won the second 7-3. Seniors Jessica Bachtell, Edith Vega, Mia Pawelski, and Ri Koteles were recognized for their contributions – and school records – while at Goshen.
 
Goshen trailed briefly in game one but came back for the win. The Leafs were the first to score when they put up three runs in the bottom of the first. Alisyn Catenacci's double to right-center scored Shea VanScoter, and Ri Koteles later scored on a wild pitch. Catenacci scored on a dropped fly by the center fielder, and GC led 3-0. Catenacci had another RBI on a single in the second to bump the lead to 4-0.
 
Huntington scored three runs in the third, but they were able to take the lead in the fifth. A two-RBI single by Adelyn Harsh gave the Foresters a 5-4 lead and shifted the game's momentum.
 
Goshen quickly recovered, however. Claire Ouellette doubled to right-center with the bases loaded in the bottom of the inning, and all three baserunners came around to score. Goshen led 7-5 and won by that score.
 
Amanda Hartman allowed just one hit and no earned runs in the final 1.2 innings. She had three strikeouts and no walks and improved her record to 4-5. Pawelski allowed five earned runs in 5.1 innings pitched.
 
VanScoter went 3-4 with her 22^nd double of the season. Catenacci had two hits, two runs, and two RBIs, and Koteles went 2-3. Goshen guaranteed that they would have a spot in the Crossroads League tournament with the win in game one. They also tied the program record for conference wins in a season with the victory.
 
After the senior recognition between games, Huntington came out strong to start game two. HU scored two unearned runs in the first on a sac fly and an error – Goshen would have five errors in the game. A two-run home run to left-center by Harsh extended the lead to 4-0.
 
But Alisyn Catenacci continued to have a wonderful day at the plate and kept Goshen in it. She had an RBI single in the third and a two-run home run to left-center in the fifth. The sophomore was hitting .274 for the season on April 19, but just ten days later, her batting average is at .316. Unfortunately, the Maple Leafs weren't able to get much offense besides from the bat of Catenacci. And after a controversial call in the bottom of the seventh, Huntington left with a 7-3 win. Alyssa Hartman started game two and took the loss, allowing three earned runs in 4.1 innings. Catenacci came in to pitch for the final 2.2 innings and struck out six.
 
Catenacci, VanScoter, and Ellie Van Heerde each had two hits. The Leafs wrap up the regular season on Saturday, April 30, at 1:00 pm. Goshen will play at Bethel in a U.S. Highway 20 Cup matchup. The Crossroads League Tournament will start on Wednesday, May 4, at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana. Should Goshen advance to play on Thursday and Friday, the games will then be held at Marian University.
 
Here is what was said about the four seniors in between games:
 
Today we are recognizing the Goshen College softball class of 2022. Our four seniors will leave Goshen having advanced in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. They have made the people and places around them better, and we are privileged to have had them for the time we did.
 
The Maple Leafs have notched 71 wins over the last four seasons and could set the program record for overall wins and team slugging percentage by the time the season ends. This season, they have set team records with 81 doubles, 32 home runs, 37 times hit by pitches, 145 walks, and 13 conference wins.
 
The players are joined by Director of Athletics Dr. Erica Albertin and Head Coach Juliaclare Plezbert.
 
First to be recognized is #7, Jessica Bachtell! Jessica is being escorted by her parents, Jeremy and Trina Bachtell. She is an Elementary Education and Special Education major with a minor in American Sign Language. Upon graduating, she plans to move back home to San Diego to teach kindergarten or first grade in a general education classroom or special ed in the elementary setting. Jess has the second-most hits in a season, third-most runs in a season, and second-most RBIs in a season in program history. Coach P says, "Jess, thank you for always being an awesome ball of energy. We have enjoyed getting to know and see you grow both academically and athletically over the past 3 1/2 years. You are going to make a FANTASTIC teacher for the upcoming generation. They are lucky to have such a genuine person as a role model!"
 
Next up is #34, Edith Vega! Edith is escorted by her parents, Esmeralda and Eduardo, her siblings Evelyn, Eidden, Elijah, and her grandmother Blanca. She is an Exercise Science major and will be attending the University of Indianapolis after graduating from Goshen to pursue a master's degree in athletic training. Edith is ranked second in program history in career stolen bases, third in runs, and second in walks. She also holds the record for walks in a season with 27. Coach P says, "Edith, thank you for your leadership and the heart you have given to this program. It has been a lot of fun watching you track down balls and make ESPN-type plays in the outfield. We are excited to see where athletic training takes you and all the athletes that will have a positive experience under your impact and leadership."
 
Next, we have #22, Mia Pawelski! Mia is being escorted by her parents, Lori and Greg Pawelski. She is a Sports Management major and plans to find a job opportunity as an instructor for a sports academy as a pitching instructor for children. As a pitcher, Mia is ranked second in strikeouts with 207 and fourth in wins with 19. She has the second-highest total for strikeouts in a season when she threw 123 in 2021. Coach P says, "Mia, thank you for your competitive spirit and dedication to the team, as well as your commitment to be the best athlete in any role you were given. You have left a mark on this program that will be hard to beat. We are excited to see what direction you take in your professional career, but whatever you choose, you will be great."
 
Last but not least is #4, Ri Koteles! Ri is being escorted by her parents, Fiona and Sandor Koteles. Her majors are in Elementary Education - Special Education and English Learners. She intends to pursue her passions and other interests after graduating. Ri has put her name all over the record book during her time at Goshen. She has the season records for triples and home runs and the career records for hits, doubles, triples, home runs, RBIs, and walks. Coach P says, "Ri, there are no words to express what a legacy you have left on Goshen College softball. There aren't many records that you haven't broken, and that is a testament of its own, but more than that, you have shown what it means to be a fantastic leader and teammate. Thank you for staying for your opportunity year."
 
Ladies and gentlemen, please help me give a round of applause to your 2022 softball seniors!