RCTC Splits Doubleheader with Ridgewater on the Road

Rochester Community and Technical College softball earned a split in a doubleheader at Ridgewater College on April 22, rebounding from a tough opener with a dominant run‑rule victory in game two. The Yellowjackets dropped the first contest 6–1 before responding with a commanding 15–0 shutout to close the day.

In the opener, Ridgewater used an early offensive surge to seize control. The Warriors struck for three runs in the bottom of the first inning, capitalizing on a pair of hits and defensive miscues to jump ahead quickly. Ridgewater added two more runs in the third and another in the fourth to build a 6–0 advantage.

RCTC struggled to generate offense against Ridgewater pitcher Nevaeh Rahm, who went the distance and limited the Yellowjackets to just four hits while striking out 10. Despite the quiet bats, RCTC showed resilience late. Zoey Clark reached base in the fourth and eventually scored the team's lone run, driven in by Michaela Cauffman for her first RBI of the day.

In the circle, Amelie Dohlman took the loss, allowing six runs (three earned) over three innings. Zoey Clark provided a bright spot in relief, tossing three scoreless innings and striking out seven while surrendering only one hit. RCTC also showed speed on the bases with stolen bags from Cason Forbrook and Ella Bergan, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.

The nightcap told a very different story as RCTC's offense erupted from the opening inning. The Yellowjackets scored two runs in the first, four more in the second, and never let up, plating runs in four of the five innings played.

KK Hemming delivered a standout performance, going 3‑for‑4 with a double, a home run, and six RBIs to headline the offensive outburst. Ella Bergan scored four runs and added a double while drawing three walks, creating constant pressure on the Ridgewater defense. Zoey Clark and Michaela Cauffman each recorded multi‑hit games, with Cauffman driving in two and scoring three times.

RCTC's patient approach paid dividends, as the team drew seven walks and forced Ridgewater pitchers into extended innings. The Yellowjackets accumulated 10 hits and benefited from aggressive baserunning, with stolen bases from Gigi Lundi, Cauffman, and Jayda Bednarek.

In the circle, Zoey Clark was dominant, spinning a complete‑game shutout. She allowed just three hits over five innings and struck out six, never allowing Ridgewater to mount a serious scoring threat. The Warriors were held hitless until the later innings and managed no runs in the abbreviated contest.

The split allowed the Jackets to secure the #2 spot in the Southern Division.  RCTC will take on MN North-Itasca in a best two out of three series in the first round of the post-season on Saturday.  The winner of that series will then advance to the Region Tournament.