Athletics News and Press Releases

April 14, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jen Steele
(413) 585-3076

Softball Takes Two from Clark

Northampton, MA: In today’s New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference match-up with Clark University, the Pioneers were able to capture the sweep, run-ruling the Cougars 8-0 in the first game and winning the nightcap 9-6. With the victories, the Pioneers break even at 12-12 overall and 5-5 in conference action. The Cougars fall to 7-16 on the year.

Senior pitcher Katie Maroney (Santa Clarita, CA) threw a one hit shutout to pace the Pioneers’ defense in game one. The Pioneers wasted no time scoring first, as junior Chloe Pete (Beaverton, OR) started the game with a leadoff single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from designated player Sara Matari (Hawthorne, NJ). After junior left fielder Debbie Sasges (Vancouver, BC) lined out to the second baseman, senior Sara Watson (Kent, WA) was hit by a pitch, setting up sophomore Kate Schoenen (Ellicott City, MD), who drilled a two out double, scoring Matari. The Pioneers added another three runs in the third inning when Matari was hit by a pitch, stole second, and advanced to third on a Sasges’ ground ball. After Watson walked, Schoenen ripped a three run homerun, the first of her collegiate career. The Pioneers were also able to string together four runs in the bottom of the fifth, when senior Amber Bourque-Laycsak (Tinley Park, IL) picked up a two RBI single. Freshman Crystal Fryer (Louisville, KY) ended the game by the mercy rule after she smacked a single, scoring Bourque-Laycsak for the game winner.

In the nightcap, the Cougars’ bats came alive, as they were able to string together three hits in the top of the first inning to take the 1-0 advantage. The Pioneers responded quickly, adding two of their own with hits from each Pete, Sasges, and Schoenen. Smith added two runs each in the second, third, and fourth innings and one in the fifth. The Cougars battled back in the fifth inning when they were able to string together three hits for two runs. They also added another three in the sixth when they took advantage of three hits and one Pioneer error. However, the Cougars’ bats weren’t enough to outlast the Pioneers. All together, the Pioneers pounded out fourteen hits and were led by Pete (2-2), Matari (2-4), Watson (2-4), Schoenen (2-4), and Fryer (3-3). Freshman pitcher Emily Hiltzik (Long Island, NY) picked up the win for the Pioneers, giving up 10 hits and striking out six in six innings of work. Sophomore Dezarai Fisher (Phoenix, AZ) got the save, throwing one inning and striking out two.

The Pioneers are back in action tomorrow, Saturday April 15th when they travel to NEWMAC opponent Wellesley College for a conference doubleheader. Game time is slotted for 12:00pm.

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