Softball: Lasers split GNAC series with Johnson & Wales Saturday

NEWTON, Mass. - Sophomore Katie Hopkins of the Lasell University softball team went a combined 5-of-6 batting, with eight RBIs, three home runs and three runs scored during a doubleheader split with Great Northeast Athletic Conference-rival Johnson & Wales Saturday at Taylor Field.

Senior Brianna Gendreau finished the day 3-for-7, with two runs and one RBI, for the Lasers (7-9, 1-1 GNAC). Sophomore Eryn Sheeley earned the complete-game win in Game 1, striking out seven batters in seven innings. She gave up three earned runs and nine hits, while walking three.

"We fought hard today against a good team," said Lasell University Softball Head Coach Sarah Woodside. "Our bats were hot when we needed them and we played excellent defense. Overall, we had a great day, and I am pleased with the performance."

Game 1 (Lasell 5, Johnson & Wales 3):

Hopkins went 2 of 3 in the batter's box, with five RBIs, two home runs and two runs scored against the Wildcats (15-2, 1-1 GNAC). Sheeley struck out the side during the second inning.

Johnson & Wales took a 2-0 lead in the top half of the first inning behind a one-run triple by Jill Pulek (2 of 3, triple, RBI, run, walk) and an RBI double by Summer Ramundo. A two-out, two-run shot to left by Hopkins in the bottom of the first evened the score at 2-2.

Freshman Samara Turgeon drew a one-out walk for Lasell in the third, and then Gendreau singled to right. With two runners on base, Hopkins delivered again, crushing a three-run homer over the right-field fence, putting the hosts in front, 5-2. 

The Wildcats ended the scoring during the fourth with a solo home run by Caroline Amorelli. Neither team made an error during the game. Johnson & Wales held a 9-7 lead in hits.

Game 2 (Johnson & Wales 11, Lasell 6):

Hopkins went 3 for 3 in the second game, tallying three RBIs, one homer, one run scored and one walk. In the leadoff role, freshman Mackenzie Still finished 2 of 4, with two runs. Gendreau contributed with a 2-for-4 effort, featuring one run and one RBI.

Leading the way for the Wildcats were Mackenzie Clee (3 of 4, 2 RBIs, run), Megan Antaya (3 of 3, RBI, run, walk) and Danielle Floyd (3 for 4, 2 RBIs, 2 runs, double). Starting pitcher Sage Borkowski earned the win in the circle, going five innings and giving up five earned runs on nine hits.

The Lasers took a 1-0 lead in the bottom half of the first on an RBI walk by freshman Emily Mestas with the bases loaded, as Still crossed home. The Wildcats answered in the top of the second, scoring three runs on a two-run double by Floyd and a one-run single by Clee.

Lasell knotted the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the second, as junior Angelena Piers led off with a double to left-center. Later in the inning, Turgeon recorded a one-run double to center, and then during the ensuing at-bat, Gendreau connected on an RBI infield single.

Johnson & Wales built an 8-3 cushion behind two runs in the third and three more during the fourth. A two-out, two-run shot by Hopkins down the left-field line in the bottom half of the fourth cut the Wildcats' advantage to 8-5. 

The Wildcats added on two runs in the fifth as a result of a one-run single through the right side by Clee and an RBI ground out to third by Talia Smaller. A one-run single up the middle by Hopkins in the sixth cut the deficit to 10-6, but the visitors ended the scoring with a one-run effort in the seventh.

Johnson & Wales led the hits' category, 15-11.

Up Next:

The Lasers will compete in a GNAC doubleheader against Saint Joseph (Conn.) Monday, with game times set for 3 and 5 p.m., respectively, in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Director of Athletic Communications Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lasell.edu.

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