Athletics News and Press Releases

April 28, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: Carole Grills
(413) 585-2703

Wheaton Eliminates Smith From NEWMAC Softball Tourney

Northampton, MA: The Lyons of Wheaton defeated Smith College this morning 12-3 in the 2007 New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Softball Championship. The Pioneers, who lost in first round action to Clark on Wednesday, were the first team eliminated in the six-team double elimination tournament.

    The Lyons scored five runs on four hits and two errors in the first inning that proved to be enough to end Smith's season and added two more in the second to take a 7-0 lead.

     The Pioneers scored all three runs in the third inning. Anna Cressotti (Southampton, MA) singled to center and went to third on a double to right by Megan Kiefer (Oak Park, IL) and then scored on a ground out by Chloe Pete (Beaverton, OR). Senior left fielder Deb Sasges (Vancouver, BC) singled and advanced to second as Nicole Banton (Shaver Lake, CA) walked. With the bases loaded, Katie Schoenen (Ellicott City, MD) was hit by a pitch and Smith's second run crossed the plate. Crystal Fryer (Louisville, KY) reached on a fielder's choice to once again load the bases and Banton scored the third run on a wild pitch.

     The Lyons' Merry MacDonald, Erika Marinia and Brady Benton each hit home runs to lead Wheaton's offense with MacDonald going three-for-three at the plate. Kiefer also batted three-for-three for the Pioneers with Sasges going two-for-three. Emily Hiltzik (Westbury, NY) took the loss for Smith while first year Andrea Bagley (Foxboro, MA) gave the Lyons their 25th victory.

     With the loss, Smith ended the season 16-18 overall while Wheaton improved to 25-15 and will face the winner of the Babson/Clark game at 4 p.m.

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