Softball Splits Series with Army, Earns Shutout Win

Junior pitcher Parker Rowden tosses complete-game shutout as Leopards split three-game set with Black Knights

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:03am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a softball game, with sharp planes of navy, crimson, and gold representing the competitive spirit and determination of the Lafayette College softball team.A cubist interpretation of the Leopards' hard-fought softball series against Army, capturing the game's intensity and the team's resilience.Stony Brook Today

The Lafayette College softball team split a three-game series against Army West Point over the weekend. After dropping the series opener 6-0, junior pitcher Parker Rowden bounced back with a complete-game shutout in the second game to earn a 1-0 victory for the Leopards. In the rubber match, Lafayette came up just short in a 3-2 loss to the Black Knights.

Why it matters

The split series keeps the Leopards in the hunt for a Patriot League playoff spot, as they look to build on their eight wins this season - already surpassing their total from last year. The team's ability to rebound from a lopsided loss with a dominant pitching performance shows their resilience and competitiveness against a strong conference opponent.

The details

In the series opener, the Leopards were held hitless in a 6-0 loss to Army. Sophomore pitcher Jordan Goedel took the loss, allowing two earned runs in four innings. Rowden then took the circle for game two and tossed a four-hit shutout, striking out four batters. Lafayette broke through for the game's lone run in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly by senior catcher Maggie Klug. In the series finale, the Leopards took a 2-1 lead in the sixth inning on a two-run double by junior infielder Katie Harrington, but Army rallied for two runs in the seventh to win 3-2.

  • On Sunday, April 2, 2026, the Leopards split a doubleheader with Army.
  • On Monday, April 3, 2026, the Leopards lost the series finale 3-2 to Army.

The players

Parker Rowden

A junior pitcher for the Lafayette College softball team who tossed a complete-game shutout in the second game of the series against Army.

Maggie Klug

A senior catcher for the Lafayette College softball team who drove in the game's lone run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning of the second game against Army.

Katie Harrington

A junior infielder for the Lafayette College softball team who hit a two-run double in the sixth inning of the series finale against Army.

Jordan Goedel

A sophomore pitcher for the Lafayette College softball team who took the loss in the series opener against Army.

Marissa Powell

A senior pitcher for the Lafayette College softball team who allowed one unearned run across five innings in the series finale against Army.

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What they’re saying

“I really just tried to let go of any scary thoughts and play free. Just trusting my teammates and letting them do their thing.”

— Parker Rowden, Junior Pitcher

“I was just really grateful my teammates set that up for me. I was looking outside at first, but then I saw it inside and just got the ball out there. I was glad I could bring her home.”

— Maggie Klug, Senior Catcher

“You just don't let the moment get too big. Take a deep breath, and trust your hard work and preparation.”

— Maggie Klug, Senior Catcher

What’s next

The Leopards will take a break from Patriot League play with a Saturday doubleheader against Stony Brook University at home.

The takeaway

The Leopards' ability to split the series with Army, including a dominant pitching performance in the second game, shows their resilience and competitiveness in Patriot League play as they look to build on their improved season and push for a playoff spot.