March 30th, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jen Steele
(413) 585-3076

Northampton, MA: In their home opener and NEWMAC debut, the Pioneers fell to the Wheaton Lyons 14-0 in the first game and 7-0 in the nightcap.  Today’s losses put the Pioneers at 4-8 overall while the Lyons improve to 8-8.

The Lyons’ bats proved too much for the Smith defense as they pounded out twelve hits and caused eight field errors in the opener.  Senior Nicole Lachance (Rochester, NH) led the way for Wheaton, going a perfect 4-4 at the plate while knocking in three RBIs.  Senior Jessica DePolito (Taunton, MA) and sophomore Brady Benton (Concord, NH) each went 3-4 with three RBIs. 

Seniors Debbie Sasges (Vancouver, BC) and Sarah Matari (Hawthorne, NJ), along with junior Nicole Banton (Shaver Lake, CA) and first year Laura Robitzek (Auburn, ME) combined for the Pioneers’ four hits.  Junior pitcher Dezarai Fisher (Phoenix, AZ) took the loss for the Pioneers, surrendering twelve hits and ten earned runs.

Smith came out aggressive in the first inning of the second game, as senior Chloe Pete (Beaverton, OR) reached first on an error by the third baseman and then stole second.  Pete advanced to third on a single from Banton, but sophomore Emily Hiltzik (Westbury, NY) was unable to capitalize as she grounded out to the third baseman for the final out of the inning.  

The Lyons used big hitting from their senior captains Lachance and DePolito as they both hit solo homeruns.  Wheaton’s bats continued to explode late in the game as they finished with a day-high fourteen hits. 

The Smith trio comprised of first year catcher Megan Kiefer (Oak Park, IL), Sasges, and Banton combined for the Pioneers’ three hits.  Hiltzik took the loss on the mound, giving up fourteen hits and five earned runs.

The Pioneers are back in action again tomorrow as they travel to MIT for a NEWMAC doubleheader.  Game time is schedule for 12 pm.