MCLA grabs one from Springfield

North Adams, MA – It was a tale of opposites at the Zavattaro Athletics Complex this afternoon when MCLA hosted Springfield College in a non-conference softball double-header. Behind a timely run in the first, the Trailblazers would take game one by a 1-0 final. Then in game two the Pride’s bats came alive and they closed out their hosts in five with a 12-0 win. Springfield’s Angela Atkins (East Haddam, CT) went 4 for 6 and scored four runs in this afternoon’s twin bill.

GAME 1:
MCLA jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first. Steph Hendricks (Warrensburg, NY) was hit by the third pitch of the game and was immediately sacrificed into scoring position. The Trailblazers leader in all offensive categories, Rachel Desautels (Readsboro, VT), drove a ball to center field that brought Hendricks around. It was Desautles’ 28th RBI of the season and the eventual game winner.

After pitching nine innings in yesterday’s double-header against Westfield State, Trailblazer hurler, Hadley Ameen (North Adams, MA) threw seven outstanding innings in game one. She fanned five and the seven Pride hits she allowed were well spread out never threatening to tie the game. Atkins and Michelle Wlosek (Nutley, NJ) both went 2 for 3 from the plate for Springfield.

After allowing one run to cross that plate, Springfield’s starting pitcher Samantha Rhodes (Mendon, MA) dug in for the rest of the game striking out nine Trailblazers and not allowing a hit after the first inning. Not only did both teams have an outstanding presence on the mound, but both team played solid defensively committing no errors.

GAME 2:
The nightcap proved to be a different story. MCLA’s Jen McMurray (Margaretville, NY) started the game, but after three straight hits and three runs scored, Ameen found herself back on the mound. The Pride took a 3-0 in the first inning that MCLA just couldn’t rebound. Ameen would make it to the middle of the third when Sam Naring (Norwalk, CT) took over. MCLA just couldn’t quiet Springfield’s bats as the Pride went on to bounce back from a game one loss with a 12-0 win in five.

Aimee Cassella (Southington, CT) batted a perfect 3 for 3 scoring all three times. Team mate Amanda Lyons (Eastchester, NY) when 3 for 4 and added three runs to her team’s 12 in game two. Rounding out the Prides’ hitting power was Atkins who made it on base all four of her at bats with two hit, two walks, and four runs scored.

Megan Fitzgerald (Troy, NY) pitched a two hitter as Kaitlyn Dano (Schoharie, NY) and Jackie Cadelet (Pittsfield, MA) were the only two Trailblazers to break Fitzgerald’s dominance. She would go on to strikeout six on her way to her sixth win of the season.

MCLA will have off to regroup until Saturday when they will travel to Worcester State College where the Trailblazers will look to climb up the MASCAC standings. Springfield College will host Smith College on Friday for a NEWMAC match-up.