Softball Swept By Westfield State To Open MASCAC Slate

Worcester, MA --- Behind a one-hit shutout by junior Madeline Tomich (Alford, MA) in a 3-0 victory in the opening game and a ten-run fifth inning uprising in a 10-1 triumph in the nightcap, Westfield State defeated Worcester State twice to open up their MASCAC slate this afternoon at Rockwood Park.

In the first game, Tomich was sensational as she allowed a lead-off single to sophomore Kylene Pease (Ashland, MA) in the bottom of the first for her only blemish of the contest while she also gave up four walks. Tomich finished with 15 strikeouts – 11 swinging – and she fanned the side in the fourth.

Westfield State (8-7, 2-0 MASCAC) snapped a scoreless tie by plating two runs in the top of the fifth. With one out senior Kristyn Carroll (Brockton, MA) reached on a single before third-year Kerin DeGiolamo (N. Attleboro, MA) delivered an RBI triple to right center. DeGiolamo then came home on a run-producing single by classmate Brianna Issacs (Yarmouthport, MA).

In the top of the seventh, the Owls took advantage of a dropped fly ball in the infield to score Carroll with two outs for their third run. Carroll led off the frame with a double down the line.

Worcester State (9-7, 0-2 MASCAC) sophomore Hannah Everson (Methuen, MA) absorbed the loss. Everson (3-2) went the distance giving up three runs (two earned) on seven hits while she walked one and struck out six.

Carroll and DeGiolamo both notched two hits apiece for the visitors in game one as Pease reached base twice with a single and a walk.

At least everyone in Westfield State's lineup tallied a base-knock. The Owls were led by Carroll, sophomore Lisa Policelli (Tewksbury, MA) and teammate Courtney Begin (Salem, MA), who all contributed two hits each. Senior Alicia Gardner (Athol, MA) drove in a pair while Issacs finished with three RBIs.

Worcester State originally had the early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second. After second-year Alex Kerr (Franklin, MA) led off the inning with a single, she moved to third on a sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch. Junior Lauren Besozzi (Milford, MA) then drove in Kerr with an RBI double.

After Tomich relieved first-year starter Kelley Fluet (Worcester, MA/Doherty) in the bottom of the third, she would hurl three scoreless innings and strand two in scoring position in the third and fourth innings to give Westfield State a chance to rally for the win.

The Owls took advantage of a pair of miscues in the top of the fifth as they were highlighted by four consecutive RBIs by Gardner, Issacs, freshman Bri Eichstaedt (Southampton, MA) and Policelli. Issac's later had two-run single in her second at-bat of the inning to cap Westfield State's scoring in the 10-run frame.

Tomich posted two victories this afternoon to improve her record to 7-1.

Mahoney was dealt the setback as she is now 4-2 overall. She gave up 11 hits, 10 runs (four earned) in four 2/3 innings of work. Mahoney notched six punch-outs and walked no one.

Pease and Besozzi each had a pair of hits for Worcester State in the second contest.

The Lancers look to end their four-game skid with a doubleheader against cross-town rival Clark on Tuesday at Rockwood Park starting at 4 PM. Westfield State will entertain Smith on Monday in a single game at 4 PM.