NEWTON, Mass. - The Lasell University softball team honored Brianna Gendreau and Kelsey Scannevin during a senior day ceremony prior to a doubleheader against Dean Sunday, as the Bulldogs emerged victorious, 7-6, in Game 1 and claimed a 10-9 eight-inning win during the second game on Taylor Field.

"We had two tough losses today, but our team fought hard to rally," said Scannevin. "Our energy was electric. Dean brought its bats today. It was an honor to be recognized, and I am beyond thankful for my teammates, coaches and Laser nation. We are hungry for wins next week." 

Scannevin, who was named to the GNAC All-Sportsmanship team in 2021, went 2-of-4 batting in Game 2, to go along with one RBI and one run. Gendreau has compiled 97 hits, 53 runs, 42 RBIs, 17 stolen bases, 13 doubles and nine triples during her Laser career so far, while maintaining a .337 batting average, .356 on-base percentage and .444 slugging percentage.

"It was great to celebrate our two seniors, Kelsey and Brianna," said Lasell University Softball Head Coach Sarah Woodside. "They have both been great additions to our program and helped this program grow over the last few years."

The Lasers (13-19, 5-9 GNAC) were led in the doubleheader by Katie Hopkins (4 of 6, 3 RBIs, 3 runs, homer), Samara Turgeon (4 for 9, 3 RBIs, run), Emily Mestas (4 of 8, 2 RBIs, run). Sari Albury (3 for 3, 6 RBIs, 6 walks, 3 homers, 3 runs), Miranda Seacord (5 for 8, 5 runs, 2 RBIs, homer), Alex Marie (5 of 9, 3 RBIs, 3 runs, double) played well for the Bulldogs (4-21, 3-13 GNAC).

"Sometimes games just do not go our way and that is what happened today," said Gendreau. "It would have been great to sweep Dean today on senior day, but the Bulldogs' hits were finding gaps and ours were not. We know what we need to do better for next time and we are going to prepare hard for Elms this upcoming week."

Game 1 (Dean 7, Lasell 6):

Hopkins led the Lasers with a 2-of-2 effort in the batter's box, to go along with two RBIs, two sacrifice flies and one run. Freshman Mackenzie Still hit her third home run of the season with a two-run blast during the first inning. The Bulldogs received multi-hit performances from Seacord (2 of 4, homer, 2 runs, RBI), Marie (2 for 4, 2 runs, RBI), Albury (2 for 2, 4 RBIs, 2 runs, 2 homers, 2 walks) and Bridget McDonough (2 for 4).

Dean led the hits' category, 11-9, and neither team made an error. Jessica Stewart earned the complete-game win in the circle, giving up six runs and nine hits in seven innings, while walking three and striking out two. Ally Kirck stole three bases for the Lasers and leads the team with 15 on the season, tied for the third most in the GNAC.

A two-run shot down the left-field line by Still gave the Lasers a 2-0 lead in the bottom half of the first. Dean trimmed the deficit in half during the second, as Albury blasted a solo shot over the left-field fence. Kirck showcased her outstanding base-running skills in the third. She drew a leadoff walk, and then stole second and third, allowing Hopkins to tally a sacrifice fly to center and giving the hosts a 3-1 advantage.

The Bulldogs took their first lead of the day at 4-3 in the fourth with a three-run shot off the bat of Albury. One-run singles by Marie and Shirley Chan during the fifth gave Dean some breathing room at 6-3. A sacrifice fly by Hopkins brought the Lasers to within two in the bottom half of the fifth, and then a solo home run by Seacord allowed the visitors to regain a three-run lead at 7-4 in the sixth.

Lasell kept responding during the bottom half of the sixth, as Theall drew a one-out RBI walk with the bases loaded, and then Angelena Piers scored on a wild pitch, cutting the deficit to 7-6. The Bulldogs were able to make the plays down the stretch to close out the one-run victory.

Game 2 (Dean 10, Lasell 9 - 8 innings):

The Lasers held a 13-9 lead in hits, as Lasell was led by Mestas (3 of 5, 2 RBIs, run), Turgeon (3 for 5, 3 RBIs, run, homer), Hopkins (2 of 4, 2 runs, homer, RBI), Meghan Theall (2 for 4, 2 runs) and Scannevin (2 of 4, RBI, run). Leading the charge for the Bulldogs were Seacord (3 of 4, 3 runs, RBI, walk) and Marie (3 for 5, 2 RBIs, double, run).

Lasell took a 2-1 lead during the bottom of the first off a two-run shot to left by Turgeon. Dean took a 3-2 advantage during the third on Albury's third home run of the day. A five-run rally in the fourth gave the Bulldogs an 8-2 cushion.

The Lasers battled to the end and fought back with a five-run inning of their own during the bottom half of the fourth. The surge included RBI singles by Scannevin, Mestas and Turgeon. Gendreau's sacrifice fly to center cut the Bulldogs' lead to 8-7. A one-run homer by Hopkins in the fifth evened the game at 8-8 and forced extra innings.

The Bulldogs put a two spot on the scoreboard in the top of the eighth as a result of a one-run double by Marie and an RBI single by Chan. Mestas recorded a one-run single up the middle during the bottom half of the eighth, but Dean was able to close out the one-run triumph.

Zoe Coleman earned the win in the circle. She worked the final 4 2/3 innings and did not walk any batters, while giving up one earned run and five hits.    

Up Next:

The Lasers will compete in a GNAC doubleheader Wednesday with games at 3 and 5 p.m. against Elms in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

Director of Athletic Communications Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lasell.edu.

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