Vikings Dominate At The Plate In Sweep Over Kalamazoo and Knox College

THE BASICS 

Score: 
GM 1 – Salem State University 12 vs Kalamazoo College 2 (GM 1) 
GM 2 – Salem State University 0 vs. Knox College 0 (GM 2) 

Records: 

Salem State Vikings (5-2) GM 1 
Kalamazoo College ( 3-2) GM 1

Salem State (6-2) GM 2

Knox College (3-2) GM 2

Location: Clermont, FL

Date: Thursday March 19, 2026

THE LEAD 

The Salem State softball team played its second set of double header games of the Florida trip in dominant and explosive offensive fashion, sweeping both games. Salem State opened with a 12–2 victory over Kalamazoo College and then would close out the night with 8-0 win against Knox College. 

HOW IT HAPPENED (GM 1)

The Salem State Vikings came out swinging in Game 1 against the Kalamazoo College Hornets, setting the tone early with a strong first inning at the plate. The Vikings pushed across two quick runs to take an early 2–0 lead.

Kalamazoo answered right back in the bottom half of the inning, finding their rhythm offensively and plating two runs of their own to even things up at 2–2 after one inning of play.

From that point on, however, it was all Salem State. The Vikings' bats came alive in a big way while their defense and pitching completely shut down the Hornets. Salem State broke the game open with three runs in the third inning, then added two more in the fourth to build a comfortable lead.

They put the game out of reach in the sixth inning, erupting for five runs to cap off a dominant performance. With the bats coming alive in a big way and the defense holding Kalamazoo scoreless after the first inning, the Vikings secured a decisive 12–2 victory in six innings.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS (GM 1)

• Giana Johanson would lead the offense for the Vikings with two doubles and 5 RBIs to help the Vikings secure the win over the Hornets. 
• Alanis Toledano would also tally a double against the Hornets. 
• Tara Perryman, Alanis Toledano, Ellie Kleinheinz, Paige Souza, and Alaina Giuliano would all have an RBI in the win over the Hornets. 
• Abigail LaClair would collect two RBI in the game over the Hornets. 
• Samantha-Gaona Sullivan, Alanis Toledano, and Madison DeWitt would all have stolen bases against the Hornets. 

HOW IT HAPPENED (GM 2)

The Salem State Vikings earned a decisive Game 2 victory defeating Knox College, 8–0, in six innings of non-conference softball action.

Salem State set the tone early with a strong offensive approach, plating four runs in the opening inning. The Vikings capitalized on timely hitting and disciplined at-bats to jump out to the early advantage. They continued to apply pressure in the second inning, adding four more runs to extend the lead to 8–0.

The Vikings' pitcher was outstanding in the circle, to keep Knox off the scoreboard while limiting baserunners throughout the contest. Defensively, Salem State was sharp and efficient, making the routine plays and preventing any scoring opportunities.

With the early run support and a complete defensive effort, the Vikings secured the run-rule victory, closing out the game after six innings.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS (GM 2)

• Tara Perryman, Alanis Toledano, and Giana Johanson all would have doubles in the win over Knox College 
• Samantha Gaona-Sullivan, Tara Perryman, Alanis Toledano, Emma Quinn, Abigail LaClair, and Ellie Kleinheinz would all pick up an RBI in the matchup against Knox College 
• Giana Johanson would lead the Vikings in RBI's over Knox College with 2. 
• Allison Frost would have three stolen bases and Giana Johanson would pick up one stolen bases in the win over Knox College. 
• Charlie Benesh would face 23 batters, only allowing 5 hits, striking out 4 batters, and allowing no runs to secure the 8-0 win over Knox College. 

UP NEXT

The Vikings are back in action tomorrow Thursday March 19, 2026 where they look to take on MIT and Westminster (MO) for their fourth and final set of games in Clermont, FL for spring break. Opening pitch is set for 1:45pm.