After inclement weather canceled play for the first several scheduled play dates, Hawks Softball finally took to the field for the 2023 spring season on Wednesday, March 15^th  playing the College of Southern Maryland in a doubleheader at Hawks Field.  In game one of the doubleheader, CSM jumped out to an early lead, scoring 3 runs in the first inning and adding 2 in the second, as Hagerstown faced CSM pitcher Lacey Batemen, who pitched 7.0 innings giving up only 2 runs off of 6 hits and striking out 15. Madison Heuer, a sophomore out of Boonsboro High School went 2 for 4 scoring a run for the Hawks, with Baily Wilson going 1 for 3 with an RBI and Morgan Kolich going 1 for 2 with an RBI, both sophomore graduates of Smithsburg High School. Adrianna Beeler, a sophomore out of Greencastle-Antrim High School, pitched 6.1 innings in the Hagerstown 9-2 loss.

Again in game two, CSM jumped out to a 3-1 first inning lead, but this time the Hawks battled back scoring 4 runs to tie CSM 6-6 in the third. CSM answered with 4 runs in the fourth to go up 10-6, adding 3 more in the top of the fifth making the score 13-6. The Hawks mounted a second rally scoring 8 runs in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead 14-13, and added a run in the 6^th, holding CSM for the win with a final score of 15-13. Winning pitcher for the Hawks , Peyton Sheffler, a sophomore from Waynesboro Area Senior High School, threw 7.0 innings allowing 13 runs off of 17 hits, 4 walks and 3 strike outs. Madison Heuer continued hitting in the second game going 5 for 5 with 2 RBIs. Joining Heuer in the offensive charge was Molly Morris, a freshman out of South Hagerstown High School, going 3 for 4 with 4 RBIs, Morgan Kolich going 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs, Payton Kendall, a sophomore out of Forbes Road High School, going 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs, Peyton Sheffler helping herself, going 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs, and Adrianna Beeler getting in the groove going, 3 for 4 with 1 RBI.

Head Coach Alicen Galanis reflected on the doubleheader split. "I was happy to get onto the field and be able to play an actual game. This was the first live outing for the girls, and overall, they proved that, as a team, we have the grit and determination needed to have a successful season." Galanis added, "After falling short in our first game, we reset and put on a show for our fans. We definitely have a few skills to sharpen, but again, for the first outing of the season, I am happy with where we stand." When asked about positive take-aways from Wednesday's games Galanis stated, "We had a couple of timely plays that really helped carry the momentum into our favor.  Regardless of how the box score ended up, yesterday's outing was a win in my book. As long as the girls stay healthy, engaged, and humble, we are set to have a prosperous season."

The Hawks travel to play Howard Community College at Kiwanis Wallis Park, Ellicott City, MD on Saturday, March 25^th  in a doubleheader starting at 12:00 p.m. To follow the Hawks visit https://athletics.hagerstowncc.edu/sports/sball/2022-23/schedule . Go Hawks!