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What a difference a year makes. After spending last year escaping from the mire surrounding the fall out of former coach Mary Sullivan’s dismissal and adjusting to a new coach in Jessica Johnson, Brandeis Judges softball’s April 16th sweep of MIT, 9-1 and 11-0 now gives them their 19th and 20th wins of the season. This represents the fastest run to 20 wins in school history.

In Game One, catcher Erin Ross ’10 went 4-5 with four runs batted in while Kate Streilein ’08 surrendered only one run and picked up seven strike outs as Brandeis waltzed to the 9-1 win. Also having a big day at the plate was Natalie Volpe ’08, who went 3-5 with two RBI’s of her own. Along with 15 hits, Brandeis took advantage of six MIT errors. Of the nine runs surrendered by Engineers hurler Leah Bogstead, only one was an earned run. Mopping up the win was Emily Vaillette ’10, who had a scoreless inning of relief.

Showing that the first game was no fluke, the Judges demolished MIT in game two thanks to nine hits and five Engineer errors. Needing only one more run to put the eight run rule into effect, Brandeis rounded up four thanks to an RBI ground out from Carly Schmand ’11, an RBI triple from Melissa Cagar ’11, and two passed balls. Rookie second baseman Cagar set the tone as the leadoff hitter, finishing 3-4 with two RBI’s. Danielle Lavallee ’11 and Samantha Worth ’09 each had two hits of their own. Earning the win was Natalie Volpe scattering three hits over four innings, and Allie Mussen ’10 got through two walks to preserve the shut out. MIT pitcher Jessica Oleinik was charged with three earned runs out of the eleven Brandeis scored off her.

The win gives the Judges their third straight 20 win season and extends their winning streak to 14 games. Brandeis softball continues action over the break, hosting Bates College on April 19 at 11 am. On April 21, Brandeis faces a big test as they play four games in one day, starting with a double header against Regis beginning at 12 pm and then a double header against Smith at 4 pm. From there, the Judges hit the road, taking on Salem State on April 22, Framingham State on the 23rd, Fitchburg State on the 24th, and Bowdoin College on the 27th. After the road swing, Brandeis closes out their regular season at with Babson coming to town on April 29 and Emerson College on the 30th. Both games are at 3 pm.