Laura Watten

Laura Watten has often mentioned the importance of nonconference games in the middle of the week, as she says it gives her Terrapins softball team a chance to build confidence for its ACC games during the weekend.

This was the case for Terps reserve outfielder Liana Newton, who reached a major milestone in her career during last night’s doubleheader sweep against Coppin State.

In the first inning of the second game, Newton smacked an inside pitch toward the right field fence on a line. As the ball left her bat, she rounded first base and hustled to second, expecting the ball to eventually drop.

A strong gust of wind, however, propelled the ball over the Robert E. Taylor Stadium fence for a two-run homer and a 3-0 Terps lead.

She began her obligatory trot to home plate once the ball left the park, which is something she had never done before; it was her first home run of her life.

“It felt pretty amazing,” she said. “I wish that my parents were here to witness it.”

The team welcomed Newton as she crossed home, and the Terps were out in front in the eventual 7-3 win.

The Cinnaminson, N.J., native had four hits, including two triples, over both games, equaling her tally from last season. Her day highlighted a complete performance from the Terps, which featured bright spots offensively and defensively.

Pitcher Kaitlyn Schmeiser threw a complete game shutout in her outing against the Eagles in the first game, a 9-0 Terps win. The sophomore allowed two hits and two walks while striking out two in five innings. It was what Watten hoped she would see following rough showings this past weekend against Florida State.

Schmeiser had little trouble finding the strike zone, consistently getting ahead of batters in the count and retiring them before they saw too many pitches.

“She just really needed to go out and take command again,” Watten said. “She was working on that the past couple of days.”

That effort showed against the Eagles, but she also displayed patience during the few occasions in the game where her pitches lacked control. Instead of getting discouraged, she would turn to the dugout and smile.

“A few of the pitches got away from me so I was … just trying to stay positive,” Schmeiser said. “It was just more a feeling of being in control no matter what.”

Also, Newton’s effort on the defensive end helped the pitcher maintain that control during certain periods of the game as well. In game one, Newton made a diving catch in the third inning after her long dash from right field.

“People like [Liana] are always hungry for an opportunity,” Schmeiser said. “I think that’s really important too … everybody is so competitive but we want to play for each other.”

Newton was one of several defensive swaps on Wednesday, as she came in for catcher Shannon Bustillos after she left with a toe injury. Starting infielder Mandy Gardner was also out with a shoulder injury.

In response, Watten experimented with her lineup. Infielder Lindsey Schmeiser ended up playing catcher during the doubleheader, and she also moved Nikki Maier from left field to the infield. Infielder Corey Schwartz filled in for Gardner at first base.

“These games are a good opportunity for us to be able to move around to different positions,” Watten said. “It’s also a good time to be able to give … opportunities to those who aren’t getting as much playing time.”

Newton took advantage, and if she gets the chance to play again at N.C. State this weekend, she will be poised to continue filling her record book.

“Wherever Coach puts me, I will try to perform my best,” she said. “And when a chance is given, I just try to make the most of it.”

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