Softball: Lasers drop two games to Simmons

NEWTON, Mass. - Seven student-athletes on the Lasell University softball team recorded at least one hit Saturday afternoon in a doubleheader against GNAC-rival Simmons, but the Sharks emerged victorious in Game 1, 4-1, and then won, 10-1, during the second game at Taylor Field.

Game 1 (Simmons 4, Lasell 1):

Leading the way for the Lasers (13-17, 5-7 GNAC) was Eryn Sheeley (2 of 3, 2 doubles). Freshman pitcher Meghan Theall threw seven strong innings against a potent Simmons' offense, as she allowed four runs and nine hits, while striking out one. Her pitch control was exceptional, only walking one batter and she faced 31.

Alex Morang (2 for 4) and Kylie Collins (2 of 3, homer, run, RBI) led the way on offense for the Sharks (19-10-1, 10-2 GNAC). Maddie Castigliego earned the complete-game win in the circle, giving up one run and five hits. She struck out seven and walked one. Simmons led the hits' category, 9-5, and each team made one error.

The Sharks opened the scoring in the top half of the second, as Collins blasted a solo shot over the left-field fence with two outs. Freshman Mackenzie Still led off the bottom of the second with a one-run homer down the left-field line. Her second home run of the season knotted the game at 1-1.

Christine Bott tallied the game-winning hit in the sixth, connecting on a leadoff homer to center. Simmons added on two more runs in the inning to secure the three-run victory. Theall retired the side in order during the third inning.

Game 2 (Simmons 10, Lasell 1 - 6 innings):

Katie Hopkins recorded a multi-hit game, finishing 2 of 3 in the batter's box. Castigliego (3 for 4, 3 RBIs, 2 homers, 2 runs, triple), Bott (2 for 3, 4 RBIs, 2 runs, homer) and Jordyn Rubin (2 for 4, double, run) played strong games for Simmons. Castigliego earned the win in the circle, relinquishing one run and six hits in six innings, while striking out seven and not walking a single batter. The Sharks held a 12-6 lead in hits.

The Sharks scored one run in the first, second and third innings, building a 3-0 advantage. During that period of time, Bott and Castigliego tallied solo home runs. Simmons exploded with seven runs in the sixth, creating a 10-0 lead. Bott and Shannon McMahon recorded two-run singles in the frame, while Castigliego posted her second home run of the game.

Brianna Gendreau led off with a single to right during the bottom of the sixth, and then scored three at-bats later on a sacrifice fly to right by Sheeley.

Up Next:

The Lasers will compete against Dean in a GNAC doubleheader Sunday at noon and 2 p.m. on Taylor Field. Prior to the first game, the Lasers will host a senior day ceremony for Brianna Gendreau and Kelsey Scannevin.

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

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