Athletics News and Press Releases

April 3, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jen Steele
(413) 585-3076

Smith Softball Tops Elms 6-1

Northampton, MA: In today’s non-conference match-up with Elms College, the Pioneers’ bats came alive as they were able to push six runs across the board, edging the Blazers 6-1. With the loss, the Blazers fall to 6-7 while the Pioneers improve to 7-8 overall and 1-3 in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference.

The Pioneers used a two run third inning to score first. With one out, junior Chloe Pete (Beaverton, OR) was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a passed ball. Junior designated hitter Sarah Matari (Hawthorne, NJ) reached first base on an error by the Blazers’ third baseman and Pete advanced to third. Matari stole on the next pitch, placing two runners in scoring position. Freshman first baseman Crystal Fryer (Lousiville, KY) then connected on a double, picking up two RBI’s.

With the 2-0 advantage, the Pioneers continued to apply pressure to the Blazers’ defense. It was Matari who got things going for Smith in the bottom of the fifth, as she singled with one out and advanced to second on Fryer’s sacrifice bunt. Junior Debbie Sasges (Vancouver, BC), who finished 2-2 on the day, walked and Matari advanced to third on a passed ball. With two outs, senior Sara Watson (Kent, WA), who leads all Pioneers with 20 RBI’s, drilled a three run homerun over the centerfield fence, giving Smith a 5-0 lead.

Not to be outdone, the Blazers battled in the top of the sixth to push one run across the board. Leadoff hitter Kristi Guzzo hit a double down the left field line and eventually scored on a bobbled ball that found its way into the outfield.

The Pioneers added one more insurance run in the bottom of the sixth when freshman Erin Quinn (Northbrook, IL) singled up the middle with one out. The Blazer defense was able to force sophomore Taryn Pestalozzi (Troutdale, OR) to ground out before Pete smacked a singled. Matari, who finished the day 2-4, connected on another single, scoring pinch runner Theo Dworak (West Hartford, CT).

Senior pitcher Katie Maroney (Santa Clarita, CA) picked up her fifth win of the year, giving up one run on six hits, while striking out seven. Sophomore Dezarai Fisher (Phoenix, AZ) recorded the close for the Pioneers, giving up one hit and striking out two.

The Pioneers are back in action this Wednesday, April 5th, as they host non-conference opponent Western New England College. Game time is slotted for 4pm.

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