Lasers Split with Rivier

NASHUA, N.H. (4/11/15) The Lasell College softball team earned a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) split with Rivier University Saturday afternoon at Raider Field. The Lasers move to 6-17 overall and 2-9 in the GNAC, while the Raiders jump to 9-14 this spring and 3-10 in the conference.

Game One Lasell: 4 Rivier: 2

Junior Nichole LeBlanc (Easton, Mass.) led the Lasers with and RBI and two hits from four plate appearances. Sophomore Erin Smith (Gorham, Maine, roped a double on a 2-for-3 performance, while junior Erin Larghi (Wakefield, R.I.), senior Denise Archetto (Cranston, R.I.), and junior Emily DeAngelis (Shelton, Conn.) each chipped in with a base hit for the Lasers.

The Lasers established a 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning, as freshman Laura MacLeod (Old Saybrook, Conn.) reached first base on an error by Rivier's shortstop to juice the bases for senior Michaelea Grady (Worcester, Mass.). Grady cranked a deep single to right field to drive in MacLeod and DeAngelis for the first lead of the game.

In their last chance at bat, the Lasers packed on two runs in the seventh courtesy of an RBI by LeBlanc before she flew home on a passed ball to secure the first game 4-2.

Sophomore Krystel Enko (Haydenville, Mass.) pitched the full seven innings, allowing six hits and one walk while fanning four batters. Taylor Miller took the loss the Rivier, as she pitched seven innings with four runs and three walks.

Game Two Lasell: 1 Rivier: 6

Freshman Ashley Gatchell (Franklin, Mass.) batted in the lone run for the Lasers in game two, while Larghi, MacLeod, and Grady chipped in with hits as well.

The Lasers repeated their offensive spurt from game one, getting on the board early in the second inning. With runners on first and third, Gatchell stepped up to bat and cracked a deep single to send DeAngelis home with ease.

The Raiders, however, were relentless in the second game of the GNAC twinbill, and put up at least one run in the following innings to come with a tri of runs in the sixth to secure a 6-1 victory.

Junior thrower Eileen Bergin (Arlington, Mass.) suffered the loss with five innings pitched, as she allowed three runs (two earned) and five hits, while Enko pitched an inning of relief and scattered two hits and three runs. Libby Sammon pitched 3.2 innings of relief to Jess Shanahan and allowed just three hits and one walk.

The Lasers hop into GNAC action on Sunday, April 12 as they honor their two graduating seniors in doubleheader action vs. Anna Maria College with first pitch slated for 12:00 p.m.