The College of DuPage softball team wrapped up its Myrtle Beach trip with games on March 9 and 10, finishing the final stretch 3-1. The strong finish gave the Chaparrals a 6-4 record for the trip and improved their overall mark to 9-5 on the season.
DuPage opened March 9 with a 7-1 loss to Patrick Henry College. Julia Colorato and Ashley Plzak recorded the only two hits for the Chaps, with Plzak driving in the team's lone run.
Later that day, DuPage responded with an offensive surge in a 15-11 victory over Hagerstown Community College. Although the Lady Hawks collected more hits, the Chaps capitalized on their opportunities, finishing with 15 RBIs compared to Hagerstown's seven. Brenna Berkowitz, Ava Forsberg, Isabella Andrade, and Plzak each recorded multiple hits for DuPage, while Forsberg and Plzak drove in three runs apiece. Andrade handled the bulk of the work in the circle, striking out six.
DuPage continued its offensive momentum on March 10 with a 16-2 win over Southwestern Illinois College in the early game. The Chaps produced 11 hits and 14 RBIs in another efficient performance at the plate. Colorato led the way with a perfect 3-for-3 outing and six RBIs, while Andrade pitched all five innings, allowing just two runs.
In the final game of the trip, the bats stayed hot as the Chaps defeated Sussex County Community College 14-3. Colorato again went 3-for-3, driving in one run. Lana Edkin added two RBIs on two hits, while Plzak finished with four RBIs on a pair of hits. DuPage totaled 14 hits in the contest. Angelina Tuminello earned the win after pitching five innings and striking out two.
Head coach Barry Froehle reflected on the trip following the team's final game.
"This trip was an opportunity for our team to compete, learn, and continue building the trust and teamwork it takes to be successful," Froehle said. "Now that it's wrapping up, I think we're making steady progress."
DuPage returns to action on March 16 following a brief break. The Chaparrals will host Sauk Valley Community College for a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.
