University of New England Edges Softball, 3-1

Cape Coral, FL --- Despite a solid effort on the mound and at the plate by senior Hannah Everson (Methuen, MA), Worcester State fell this morning to the University of New England, 3-1, in non-conference softball action this morning at the Cape Coral Complex. 

The Lancers (1-2) morning contest against UNE proved to be their only game of the day as their afternoon matchup against Brockport State was cancelled due to the threat of oncoming thunder and lightning.

The Nor'easters (2-3) got the scoring started with two runs in the top of the first.  

Junior Allie Frazier (Tewksbury, MA) led off the game with a double after senior Erin Grover (Biddleford, ME) followed with a walk, Frazier scored on an RBI base-knock by fourth-year Megan Gauger (S. Paris, ME).

After Grover scampered home on a passed ball, Everson set down her last two batters with deep fly-out and a stikeout.

UNE touched up Everson for one more run in the top of the third when freshman Meghan Bolano (Wakefield, RI), who led off the frame with a double, was driven in on a two-base safety to center by Grover.

But Worcester State responded in the bottom of the fourth, taking advantage of a couple of infield miscues. With runners at first and second, freshman pinch-runner Courtney Fluet (Worcester, MA/Doherty) crossed home plate on a misplayed ball throw by the pitcher at third base. 

The Nor'Easters, however, used their defense to end the threat on a double-play when the shortstop stepped on second and threw to home. UNE freshman Chelsea Damon (Scarborough, ME) then induced a ground-out to end the inning.  

The Lancers had their chances to score in the fifth with runners at first and second, but sophomore Katie Roy (Worcester, MA/Burncoat) was gunned down at home plate on a single to center by Everson. 

And again in the bottom of the seventh, Roy led off the frame with a double, but she was stranded when Damon buckled down by retiring her last three batters on a pair of groundouts and a fly-out to end the contest.

Damon (1-1) scattered seven hits and gave up just one unearned run in the complete-game effort. She walked two and struck out just one.

After giving up the three runs (two earned) over her first three frames of work, Everson set down 11 of her last 14 batters – and she stranded another runner at third in the fourth.

Everson (1-1), who went the distance, fanned four and issued just one free pass in the losing effort.  She was also the contests lone multi-hitter with a 2-for-4 effort at the plate.

UNE outhit their counterparts, 8-7, in the contest, and the Blue and Gold had a frustrating game at the plate, leaving 10 on base.

The Lancers will continue their spring training trip at the Lee County Complex with The College of Wooster at 9 AM and Hamilton at 11.