Athletics News and Press Releases

April 24, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jen Steele
(413) 585-3076

Softball Downs USCGA 10-1

Northampton, MA: The Pioneers used a six run second inning and a two run fourth inning to seal the 10-1 victory over the Bears. The Pioneers led 2-1 on Saturday before a rain delay caused the game to be postponed until this afternoon. With the victory, the Pioneers improve to 9-7 in the conference and have sealed the third place finish in the NEWMAC. The Bears also finish 9-7 and take the second place slot.

The Pioneers came out swinging aggressively in the second inning, as junior Debbie Sasges (Vancouver, BC) led off with a double. First year player Fantasia Hanmer (Troy, NY) followed with a single, first year Erin Quinn (Northbrook, IL) walked, and junior Chloe Pete (Beaverton, OR) smacked a single, scoring Sasges. After first year Crystal Fryer (Louisville, KY) reached base by a fielder’s choice, sophomore Kate Schoenen (Ellicott City, MD) was issued a walk, scoring Quinn. After Fryer scored on a passed ball, senior Sara Watson (Kent, WA) laid down a suicide squeeze bunt, plating Schoenen for the Pioneers' fifth run of the inning. Senior Amber Bourque-Laycsak (Tinley Park, IL) singled and Sasges picked up her second hit of the inning, driving home Watson.

The Pioneers also added two insurance runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to secure the 10-1 victory. Watson led off with a walk and was followed by first year Emily Hiltzik’s (Long Island, NY) long double to deep centerfield. It was a familiar scene at the plate for Sasges, as she again singled and drove in Watson. Hiltzik added the last run for the Pioneers as she scored off an error by the left fielder.

The Pioneers were led by Sasges (3-3, 2 RBI’s), Pete (3-3, 1 RBI), and Hiltzik (2-3). Hiltzik picked up her fourth consecutive win, striking out three and giving up five hits in five innings pitched.

The Pioneers are back in action tomorrow, Tuesday, April 25, as they host Wheaton College for the first round of the NEWMAC Championship. Wheaton enters the tournament as the number six seed. Game time is slotted for 4:30 pm.

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