Newton, MA – The Lasell University softball team split their final GNAC doubleheader of the season with the Mitchell College Mariners on Sunday afternoon, 3-0 and 7-6. The split moves the Lasers to 23-16 overall and 14-4 in conference while the Mariners move to 16-18 overall and 12-6 in the GNAC.
Game 1
The first game of this two-game set was an absolute pitcher's duel as the Lasers' Eryn Sheeley and the Mariners' Katelyn Lipsky dueled, holding both sides scoreless for the first six innings.
In the second inning, Sheeley was able to get two quick outs, but a walk and a drop third strike gave the Mariners runners on first and second as they threatened to score the game's first runs. Sheeley was able to get out of the jam, forcing a groundout back to her to end the inning.
In the top of the seventh, the Mariners Emma LaBreck reached first on an error to start the inning. Back-to-back singles from Madison Cole and Lipsky loaded the bases for Mitchell and a passed ball allowed the first run to score. With two outs in the inning, Mitchell's Cassandra Roman doubled to left field, scoring two and gave the Mariners a 3-0 lead.
In the bottom half of the seventh, back-to-back walks gave the Lasers runners on first and second with none out. A strike out and two fielder's choices would leave them stranded however, ending the game, and giving Mitchell the game one win.
Sheeley (9-5) got charged with the loss as she threw all seven innings for the Lasers. She allowed three runs on four hits while walking four and striking out five.
Offensively, the Lasers were held to just one hit coming off the bat of Brianna Gendreau.
Game 2
Game two would be a much different story as both offenses seemed to figure it out after game one.
Katie Hopkins got things going with a double to right field, scoring runners from second and third to give the Lasers an early 2-0 lead.
The Mariners would strike back in the second, scoring three runs on four hits to take the lead, 3-2. They would add on to the lead in the third inning when Cole singled to left field, scoring another Mariner run. Lipsky would bring in another run as she reached on an error, extending the lead to three.
In the bottom half of the third, Hopkins singled for the Lasers to start the inning and Sheeley would bring her around to score with a double to left field, bringing the Lasers within two. Two innings later, in the fifth, Sheeley would walk and then score on a Shyanne Raccio double to center field, making it a one run ballgame. The Lasers took the lead later in the inning when Grace LeClair reached on an error that would score Raccio.
The Mariners took back the lead in the sixth as a fielder's choice with runners on first and second scored a run and gave the mariners a 6-5 lead.
Lasell would be given one last chance to tie things up in the bottom of the seventh. A walk and back-to-back singles loaded the bases, and senior Ally Kirck would rip a single to left field, scoring two and winning the game for the Lasers, 7-6.
Abby Fortin (10-5) was on the rubber for the Lasers and earned the win as she threw all seven innings. She allowed six runs on 11 hits while walking two and striking out one.
Offensively, Kirck singled twice and drove in two runs and Hopkins singled and doubled while also driving in two. LeClair singled twice, Raccio doubled and singled and drove in a run. Sheeley doubled and drove in a run and Emily Mestas also singled.
Up Next: The Lasers are on to the GNAC Tournament as they clinched the one seed in the south division with their split today! Their first tournament game will be on Saturday, May 4th!
By: Camdyn Ames