Archers Softball Splits Road Doubleheader Against DI Jefferson College
The St. Louis Community College Archers softball team earned a hard‑fought split on the road Tuesday afternoon, dropping Game 1 but responding with an extra‑inning victory in Game 2 against NJCAA Division I opponent Jefferson College.
Game 1: Jefferson College 13, STLCC 6
The Archers opened the doubleheader with early offensive energy, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding tallies in the third and fourth. However, Jefferson's high-powered offense answered repeatedly, posting four runs in the first, five in the second, and three in the fourth to pull away.
Offensive Highlights (STLCC)
- Paige Glasgow delivered a standout performance, going 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and three RBI, leading the Archer offense.
- Lakota Vincent drove in two runs, while Riley Jo Fendler added an RBI.
- Kenzie Griswold, Reese Kieso, Natalie Jensen, and Emily Newman each added hits.
In the Circle (STLCC)
- Riley Jo Fendler (L, 4–2) opened in the circle before handing the ball to Hadley Hughes and Celia Gildehaus, who combined for six strikeouts over the remaining frames.
Despite producing seven hits and six runs, the Archers were unable to overcome Jefferson's 15-hit attack. STLCC committed five errors, which contributed to extended innings and scoring opportunities for the Vikings.
Game 2: STLCC 3, Jefferson College 1 (8 innings)
The Archers responded with grit and resilience in Game 2, earning a signature extra‑inning win behind dominant pitching and timely offense.
Pitching Dominance
Kenzie Griswold (W, 6–1) delivered one of the best performances of the season, throwing 8 complete innings, allowing just four hits and one run, and striking out 12. The sophomore's poise under pressure stifled the Jefferson lineup throughout the contest.
Late-Inning Momentum
After five scoreless innings from both teams, the Archers broke through in the top of the sixth, with Rylie Fisher driving in the game's first run. Jefferson responded with a run in the seventh to force extras.
STLCC immediately regained control in the top of the eighth, scoring two runs highlighted by clutch hitting from Riley Jo Fendler, who delivered an RBI single. Reese Kieso also sparked the offense with two runs scored in the game.
Despite finishing with only three hits, the Archers capitalized when it mattered most and played error-free softball to secure the victory.
Head Coach Kristi Swiderski praised her team's mental toughness and ability to reset between games:
"I'm incredibly proud of the way our team responded today. After a tough loss in Game 1, they didn't dwell on it—they stayed composed, trusted each other, and came out in Game 2 with the kind of fight and focus that defines our program. That resilience, that ability to bounce back immediately, is what makes this group special."