Besozzi, Strong Pitching Leads Softball In Wins Over Fitchburg State

Fitchburg, MA --- Junior Lauren Besozzi (Milford, MA) went 2-for-3 with a triple and three RBIs the opener while sophomore Hannah Everson (Methuen, MA) hurled a three-hit shutout in the nightcap as they both helped Worcester State to 5-1 and 2-0 triumphs this afternoon in MASCAC softball action.

With the win the Lancers (21-9, 10-2 MASCAC) earn their second-straight 20-win season while the Falcons slip to 13-20 and 5-7 in conference play. WSU is currently tied the top spot in the conference with Westfield State.

In game one, senior Michaella Mahoney (Shrewsbury, MA) held Fitchburg State to an earned run on two hits as she went the distance in her 11th complete game. Mahoney fanned six and walked just one as she upped her season mark to 11-2.

The Lancers opened the games scoring in the top of the first as the Lancers took advantage of a scoring error with two outs.

In the fourth, Worcester State pushed across two more runs for the 3-0 edge as the visitors put runners into scoring position with two men down. That set the stage for Besozzi to notch her first career three-bagger and in the process drive in a pair.

The Blue and Gold made it 5-0 on an RBI double by junior Kylene Pease (Ashland, MA) and another run producing so base-hit by Besozzi.

Fitchburg State touched up Mahoney for their lone run of the contest when senior Lauren Donell (Ayer, MA) doubled to start the rally. Sophomore Alyssa McGrail (N. Brookfield, MA) moved to third on a ground-out and then she scampered home on a wild pitch.

Third-year Allison Cousins (Leominster, MA) absorbed the setback for the Falcons. Cousins (4-6) allowed five runs (two earned) on six hits to go along with three strikeouts.

Worcester State out-hit the hosts, 6-2, as Besozzi was the only mult-hitter. Senior Karen Skoczylas (Palmer, MA) had the other base-knock for a single in the third for Fitchburg State.

In the second contest, Everson impressed with her first shutout in wearing a Lancer uniform. Everson (8-3) tallied eight punchouts and walked no one in her eighth complete game.

Fourth-year Nicole Monroe (Pepperell, MA) was dealt the loss for Fitchburg State. Monroe (6-9) allowed two runs (one earned) in seven innings of work while she scattered nine hits as she also struck out three and issued two free passes.

The Lancers snapped a scoreless tie with a lone run in the top of the third. Junior Erica Cordio (Leominster, MA) led off the frame with a single, moved to second on a sac bunt before she was plated by Pease with two outs.

Worcester State tacked on one more run in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by freshman Carolyn Hassett (Charlton, MA).

To her credit, Monroe stranded a trio in scoring position as she hurled three scoreless frames to give the Falcons a chance to rally.

After Fitchburg State left a man on second in the fifth, they threatened again with runners on second and third, following a passed ball in the seventh. But Everson induced a pop-up and struck out the final batter to preserve the final score.

Everson, Cordio and Besozzi all had two base-knocks apiece in the nine-hit effort.

Through 12 games of conference play, Besozzi currently leads the team with a .419 average (13-31) with a team-best nine RBIs.

Fitchburg State will play their season finale at home on Wednesday in a twinbill with New England College at 3 PM while the Lancers will travel to Anna Maria for a 3:30 non conference doubleheader on Thursday.