The Pomona-Pitzer softball team opened its season last weekend with a double header against Patten University. Despite losing the first game 6-5, the Sagehens bounced back and won the second game 8-6. Pitcher Carolyn Cross PO ’13 hit two home runs in the double header, and Ali Corley PO ’11 hit one out of the park as well.

The double header was marred by an incident that occurred sometime Thursday night or Friday morning, when the dugout was vandalized by members of the CMS softball team. Players arrived for practice to find the dugout covered in tape, gauze, and saran wrap. Inside, a rotisserie chicken was hung from a hook with multiple chopsticks protruding from it and a bottle of ketchup placed nearby. The motivation behind these acts was unknown, although the upcoming rivalry game between the teams may have played a role.

The prank caused quite a stir among both athletic programs. According to CMS athletic director Michael Sutton, the prank was “a bad idea. Our kids are looking at it from a different angle than they did when they thought it was a good idea.” He added that the CMS softball coach has taken some disciplinary actions. The squad was forced to clean up in front of the Pomona-Pitzer softball team. P-P Coach JoAnne Ferguson declined to comment on the story.

Heading into this season, the Sagehens have high expectations as they return 10 players and welcome nine first-years. The Sagehens faced a number of challenges last season, with only 12 players on the roster and several injuries. Despite that, they managed to defeat Chapman University for the first time in school history. Heading into this season, the team has added depth to all spots on the field, including three new freshman pitchers and three new outfielders. The freshman class also includes the Boden triplets from Georgia who will play in the infield.

Returning players include standout pitcher Cross, single-season home run champion Corley, and last season’s team MVP Brianna Marcantoni PZ ’12. Marcantoni hopes to continue her solid play at first base as well as her strong batting. Alexis Garcia PZ ’11 led the SCIAC conference in batting average last season and was named all-SCIAC first team.

Next Friday, Feb. 18, the Sagehens will face George Fox University, and the following day they battle CMS in a double header. Both of next week’s competitions will be at home, with Saturday’s double header beginning at noon.