Lancers Drop Pair of Heartbreakers to Anchorwomen

WORCESTER, Mass. – The Worcester State softball team was held to just one hit in their opening game of Thursday's doubleheader against Rhode Island College. They nearly returned the favor in the second game at Rockwood Field, but a late rally from the Anchorwomen gave the visitors a sweep of their non-conference affair.

The Lancers (11-13) fell 1-0 in the first game and then suffered a 6-5 extra-innings loss in Game 2. Worcester State looks to regroup tomorrow when they host Westfield State in MASCAC action at 2:00 PM.

Game 1: Rhode Island College 1, Worcester State 0

Freshman pitcher Abby Kidd (Granby, Conn.) was brilliant in the circle for Rhode Island College. She was perfect into the fifth inning before a double by Lauren Dube (Leominster, Mass.) broke up the no-hitter. Dube would be the only blemish against Kidd, as she allowed just the one hit without any walks while striking out eight in a complete game dominant victory (4-5).

The Lancers pitching staff was also strong in the opening game, as Emily Bartlett (Lowell, Mass.) kept Rhode Island college in check to the tune of just four hits through five and a third innings with seven strikeouts.

Sophomore left fielder Avery Katz (Brookfield, Conn.) broke a scoreless deadlock in the sixth with a leadoff single. She worked her way to third base and scored what proved to be the game-winning run on a wild pitch.

Game 2: Rhode Island College 6, Worcester State 5 (8 inn.)

What's the state scored a pair of runs in the second inning, including one on an RBI single by first year Emma Lanpher (Charlton, Mass.), which played Ally Tocman (Shrewsbury, Mass.), who had singled to start the inning. Behind the work of pitcher Sarah Gosselin (Charlton, Mass.), the Lancers continued to keep Rhode Island College off the board until the visitors final at-bat.

Gosselin threw four innings of shutout ball, allowing just one hit and striking out two.  she did not issue a walk. Jen Thorburn (Groton, Mass.) was in line for the save with three innings of relief and the Lancers one strike away, but Paige Jones (New Hyde Park, N.Y.) doubled home a run to tie the game
 
In the top of the eighth, RIC brought home four runs as junior catcher Alexis Boyce (Wolcott, Conn.) delivered a big blow with a two-run single.
 
The Lancers plated three runs in the home half of the eighth. With two outs, pinch hitter Abigail Koziol (Lunenburg, Mass.) hit a pinch-hit two-run double to bring the Lancers to within a run, but she was thrown out on the play while making a turn at second base to end the game.
 
Morgan Collupy (Rehoboth, Mass.) went the full eight innings and picked up her first collegiate win (1-0). WSU senior pitcher Molly Glynn (Abington, Mass.) took the loss (1-3).