MCLA grabs one from Springfield
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.
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.
