Softball Sweeps By MCLA In MASCAC Doubleheader

Worcester, MA ---  Senior Michaella Mahoney (Shrewsbury, MA) hurled a two-hit shutout in a 8-0 six-inning triumph over MCLA before Worcester State used extra-base hits to come-from-behind and post a 7-4 victory over the visitors in the nightcap as the Lancers defeated the Trailblazers twice in MASCAC softball action at Rockwood Park.

With the win the Blue and Gold improve their record to 14-8 overall and 4-2 in the conference standings as MCLA dips to 10-12 overall and 3-3 in league play with the setback.

Mahoney (7-2) went six innings allowing two singles for three total base-runners for the game after she hit a batter to start off the game. Mahoney should finish the contest with six strikeouts in her third shutout of the season and 12th of her career.

Mahoney, junior Erica Cordio (Leominster, MA) and sophomore Aimee Lamoureux (E. Brookfield, MA) all ended the first contest with two hits apiece as Cordio and Lamoureux each crossed home plate twice.

Worcester State started things off with a quick 1-0 advantage in the bottom of the first as Cordio scored on a wild pitch.

The Lancers added three more runs for the 4-0 edge that included a two-run double by Lamoureux and a sacrifice fly by third-year Lauren Besozzi (Milford, MA).

The Blue and Gold ended the contest with the eight-run rule in the bottom of the sixth a two-RBI single by freshman pinch-hitter Hillary Hart (Clinton, MA) and run producing hits into the outfield by Cordio and junior Ashley Howe (Winchendon, MA).

Sophomore Megan Boyer (Clarksburg, MA) and freshman Kelly Pirzl (Pittsfield, MA) notched the lone base-knocks for the Trailblazers.

Junior Hadley Ameen (North Adams, MA) absorbed the setback for MCLA. Ameen (2-5) allowed eight earned runs on 11 hits to go along with one walk and four strikeouts.

In the second game, junior Kayla Koumjian (Watervliet, NY) went 4-for-4 as she was a triple shy of the cycle. Koumjian blasted a solo homer in the first and a two-run shot in the top of the third to give the visitors the 3-0 lead.

But the Lancers answered and equalized the score in the bottom of the third on a bases-clearing double by sophomore Alex Kerr (Franklin, MA).

MCLA responded by pushing across the go-ahead run in the top of the fourth. With two men down, sophomore Sarah Greenwood (Northfield, MA), who reached on a fielder's choice, swiped second and moved to third on a bunt, scored when classmate Ashley Kelley (Turners Falls, MA) drover her in with a hard infield single to the pitcher.

After Worcester State left three in scoring position in the fourth and fifth frames, the hosts finally got to a tiring Pirzl, who started the second contest for the Trailblazers.

Junior Jaime Jacobs (Billerica, MA) started the rally with her second double of the game. Sophomore Melissa Beaudry (Worcester, MA/St. Peter-Marian) then followed with a bloop single to right center. Because Jacobs was caught up between second and third, the centerfielder decided to throw to third in an attempt to get the runner, but her errant throw into foul territory and it allowed Jacobs to score on the play.

Cordio then plated Beaudry with a single for the go-ahead run before sophomore Kylene Pease (Ashland, MA) and Mahoney each added RBIs for some insurance.

Mahoney then came out for the top of the seventh and hurled a scoreless inning with two punch outs for her first save of the season.

Sophomore Hannah Everson (Methuen, MA) earned the win for WSU after she came into the game in the top of the third. Everson (5-3) allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits as she finished with two walks and a pair of strikeouts.

Pirzl (3-6) shouldered the setback as she went the distance allowing seven earned runs on 11 hits. Pirzl fanned five, issued three free passes and allowed two wild pitches.

Howe was 3-for-3 with two runs for the Lancers while Cordio and Jacobs each chipped in with two hits apiece. Koumjian was the only multi-hitter for MCLA as she had four of their six base-knocks.

Cordio had four runs on the afternoon and Howe was 4-for-6 with two RBIs as Worcester State recorded 11 hits in both contests.

Both squads return to conference play with MASCAC twinbills on Monday at 1 PM. The Lancers will travel to Framingham State while the Trailblazers will host Bridgewater State.