Softball: Lasers win 11-3 in Game 2 to earn doubleheader split with Saint Joseph (Conn.)

NEWTON, Mass. - The Lasell University softball team's bats came alive during the second game of a doubleheader Monday against Saint Joseph (Conn.) at Taylor Field, as the Lasers earned an 11-3 win in five innings after dropping a 2-1 decision in Game 1.

"I am proud that we bounced back in the second game," said senior captain and shortstop Brianna Gendreau. "The first game was a tough loss, but we had to dig deep and come together as a team to string together hits, field well and be mentally prepared for this second game. I am happy that we pulled out a win against one of the top competitors in the GNAC."

During the Game 2 victory, Angelena Piers (3 for 3, 3 runs, double), Gendreau (2 of 4, 3 RBIs, 2 runs, triple), Katie Hopkins (2 of 3, 2 RBIs, double), Eryn Sheeley (2 for 4, double) and Ally Kirck (2 of 2, 3 runs, walk) played well. Sheeley earned the win in the circle for the Lasers (8-10, 2-2 GNAC), striking out nine batters and giving up three runs and three hits in five innings.

"While the first game was not the win that we had hoped for, we certainly stood our ground on the mound with freshman pitcher Meghan Theall," said Lasell University Softball Head Coach Sarah Woodside. "Unfortunately, we made a couple small mistakes, which were ultimately our downfall. The team had a quick rebound and attacked the ball right away in the second game. They were determined throughout the entire seven innings, which resulted in our victory."

Game 2 (Lasell 11, Saint Joseph 3):

The Blue Jays (10-5, 2-2 GNAC) opened the scoring in the first on a one-run single through the right side by Liliana Stoddard.

Freshman Mackenzie Still hit her first collegiate home run for Lasell, blasting a three-run shot over the left-field fence with two outs in the second, giving the Lasers a 3-1 advantage.

Lasell took complete control of the game with a four-run, fourth-inning effort. Piers and Kirck led off with a double and single, respectively, and then three at-bats later, Gendreau connected on a three-run triple to right-center. A sacrifice fly by Hopkins scored Gendreau and gave the Lasers a 7-1 cushion.

Lasell added on four more runs in the fifth, as the unit built an 11-1 lead. The surge was highlighted by a sacrifice fly by Samara Turgeon and a one-run double to right-center by Hopkins. A two-run homer by Alexandra Silver for the Jays ended the scoring in the fifth, as Lasell clinched an 11-3 win in five innings with the mercy rule.

Lasell led the hits' category, 11-3, and did not make a single error. Sheeley retired the side in order during the second inning.

Game 1 (Saint Joseph 2, Lasell 1):

The opening game was an old-fashioned pitchers' duel, as each team only recorded three hits. Theall went six strong innings for Lasell and did not give up a single earned run and only three hits. She struck out three and walked two.

For the Jays, starting pitcher Natalie Amato went five innings, did not give up any runs and only one hit. She struck out nine and did not walk a single batter. Relief pitcher Amanda Savinelli earned the save for Saint Joseph, posting a 1-2-3 seventh inning.

With the bases loaded and one out in the sixth, Gendreau connected on a sacrifice fly, as Kelsey Scannevin crossed home with the game's first run. Saint Joseph responded with a two-run effort in its half of the sixth. Brianna Catalini tallied the game-winning, one-run single to left with two outs.

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

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