Ragotzy & Wakeman Lead Offensive Onslaught as Valley Forge Rallies for Conference Victory

PHOENIXVILLE, PA – March 31, 2026 – The University of Valley Forge softball team overcame an early eight-run deficit to defeat Cairn 17-9 on Monday evening, capturing their first conference victory of the season in dramatic fashion.

After falling behind 8-0 in the top of the first inning, the Patriots (2-0, 1-0 Conference) stormed back with 17 unanswered runs fueled by a season-high 20 hits. The comeback victory showcased Valley Forge's resilience and offensive firepower in front of the home crowd.

Harley Wakeman earned the win in relief, pitching six shutout innings and allowing just 5 hits while striking out 2 batters. After the Patriots' pitching struggled early, Wakeman came on and completely shut down the Cairn offense, giving her team a chance to mount the historic comeback.

The Patriots cut into the deficit quickly, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning. Ava Page drove in three runs with a double, and Hannah Rodriguez added an RBI on an error to make it 8-4.

Valley Forge seized momentum in the third inning with a five-run explosion that gave them their first lead of the game. Joanie Wood started the rally with a two-run double, Melina Ragotzy followed with an RBI double, Marissa Urner added an RBI single, and Arianna Harris scored on an error to give the Patriots a 9-8 advantage.

The Patriots put the game away with a six-run fifth inning that extended the lead to 15-9. Ragotzy delivered a clutch two-run double, while Page and Wood each drove in runs during the decisive frame.

Ragotzy was spectacular at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two doubles, 4 RBIs, 3 runs scored, and 2 walks. She reached base in all six plate appearances and was a constant threat throughout the lineup.

Page added 2 hits including a double, 4 RBIs, and 3 runs scored, while Wakeman contributed 2 hits, 2 runs scored, an RBI, and 2 walks in addition to her dominant pitching performance.

Abigail Wood went 3-for-5 with a run scored, Harris added 2 hits and 2 runs scored, and Clarissa Lockman contributed 2 hits, a run scored, and an RBI. Urner rounded out the offensive attack with 2 hits, an RBI, and a run scored.

Cairn was paced by Riley Curtis with 4 RBIs on 2 hits including a double, while Aerynne Mays added 2 hits and an RBI. Starting pitcher Sydney Wright (0-1) took the loss, allowing 8 runs on 10 hits over 2.2 innings.

The victory marked a historic moment for the Patriots program—not only their first conference win of the season but a testament to their mental toughness and never-quit attitude. The 20-hit offensive explosion was the most productive game of the young season.

Game Notes:

• Valley Forge rallies from 8-0 deficit to win 17-9
• Patriots collect season-high 20 hits
• First conference victory of the season
• Harley Wakeman pitches 6 scoreless innings in relief
• Ava Page drives in 4 runs

Box Score Summary:

• Valley Forge: 17 runs, 20 hits, 3 errors
• Cairn: 9 runs, 6 hits, 3 errors