FORT MYERS, FL- The Lasell College softball team dropped two close games to Worcester State College and SUNY Oswego on Tuesday during the third day of competition at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic, in Fort Myers, Florida. The Lasers fell short 5-3 against Oswego in the first game and then faced a 4-3 setback against Worcester State in the second game.
In the one-run contest against Worcester, freshman catcher Candace Hankard (Wakefield, MA) knocked two singles and earned one RBI on offense, and took care of four outs in the field. Lasell also had a hit apiece from Kelly Silvia (Oaks Bluff, MA), Kerrie Starkey (Keene, NH), Rachelle Haas (Middleton, MA), Talia DeChiara (Kingston, MA), Kelly Barden (Quincy, MA), Ashley Laramie (Lynn, MA), and Tricia Culver (Northampton, MA). Silvia, DeChiara, and Barden each scored one run for the Lasers and Starkey earned one RBI.
Defensively, Jacqueline Saluti (Braintree, MA) made eight outs at first base, and DeChiara recorded five more at short stop. Freshman pitcher Alison Saluti (Braintree, MA) retired four batters in seven innings on the mound.
Against SUNY Oswego, Culver went two-for-four at bats, which included one double. Culver also scored once for the Lasers. Laramie also had a two-bag hit, and one RBI. Freshman Nikki Giatas (Billerica, MA) went two-for-three, knocking two singles and picking up two RBI’s. Giatas also had four assists from third base.
DeChiara and Amy Doyle (Kingston, MA) each scored a run in the contest. Jennie Beaton (Reading, MA) and Kirsten Mammola (North Reading, MA) pitched three innings each, and struck out two batters apiece in the defeat.
After three days of tough competition in Florida, the Lasers hold a 1-5 overall record. Lasell faces Salem State College and Roger Williams on Thursday, March 17th.