The Skinny: The Quakers took a 3-0 lead in a tight, low scoring game but were unable to hold the lead, losing 5-3.

Synopsis: Sidwell hit the ball well early on but was unable to score. Notably, in the bottom of the 2nd with a runner on 2nd and 2 outs, Nick Fernandez hit a rocket of a line drive into left center field, only to have the Maret Centerfielder make a spectacular running catch in the infield of the softball field. Still, Sidwell fought offensively against Maret's starter and scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 3rd to go up 3-0. Despite getting a number of runners on base over the next four innings, the Quakers were unable to score any runs against Maret's reliever.

Starting pitcher Chase Plebani pitched fabulously early on. He did not allow a run until the 4th and only allowed 1 infield hit through the first 5 innings. Maret managed one run in the 4th playing smallball following a walk, but overall Plebani was dominant through 5. But in the 6th inning, Plebani gave up a huge double to left field before recording the 3rd out, leaving the game tied at 3 going into the 7th. Due to a lineup error, Senior Mark Ossolinski was unable to come in to relieve Plebani, whose pitch count was over 100, in the 7th. Despite being tired, Plebani retired the first two batter easily before giving up a bloop single. After a long count, the next batter hit a huge, slicing fly ball to left field that just flew over the batting cage. This proved to be the winning run, although Plebani did finish the game allowing only 4 hits over a complete 7 innings.

Analysis: This was a tough game for Sidwell, who outhit Maret 8-4. Maret was patient at the plate, however, earning 6 walks offensively. The Quakers left 9 of their 12 runners on base, the primary cause of the lack of runs scored. Both teams played exceptionally defensively in an errorless game. Maret played very well, and the only area Sidwell needed to improve upon to win was its hitting with runners on base.

Looking Ahead: The loss puts the Quakers in 3rd place in the conference with a 5-2 record. Maret plays Flint Hill twice more this season, so with some luck both of the teams will finish the season with at least 2 losses. Sidwell gets another shot at Flint Hill at home next week, a crucial game for the Quakers if they want to keep their MAC title hopes alive. Next up is last-place St. James at home this Thursday.