March 27, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Felicia Prater
(305) 205-4236

Smith Softball Drops Doubleheader to Clark in NEWMAC Opener

Northampton, MA: The Pioneers opened New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) competition this afternoon dropping a doubleheader 0-5, 3-10 to Clark University. With the losses, Smith falls to 3-10 overall, 0-2 in conference while Clark improves to 6-12 overall and 2-2 in the NEWMAC.

In game one, despite Smith's inability to score, the Pioneers were able to muster hits from juniors Megan Kiefer (Oak Park, IL) and Laura Robitzek (Auburn, ME), sophomore Lauren Martinez (Phoenix, AZ) and first years Sarah Goodman (Pittsford, NY) and Kirstie Beaton (Osterville, ME). In the circle, senior Emily Hiltzik (Westbury, NY) took the loss allowing four earned runs while striking out three.

In game two, Clark jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third inning. However, the Pioneers got things going in the bottom of the third as sophomore Salma Mehter (Seatlle, WA) hit a single and advanced to first. With Mehter advancing to second on an error, Martinez heading to first on a fielder's choice and Kiefer up to bat, it was Smith's prime opportunity to rack up a hit and advance runners. However, Kiefer walked, thus advancing her to first, moving Martinze to second and Mehter to third. At the plate, Robitzek grounded out, bringing Mehter home and tallying Smith's first score.

Despite the cougars of Clark scoring the next four runs, Smith was not deterred. In the bottom of the fifth, Smith was responsible for 3 hits, a double and two singles with 1 run scored by Mehter. However, this was not enough for a rally. Clark was able to control the remainder of the game with an additional four runs and five hits compared to Smith's one run and two hits.

Smith Softball will be back in action tomorrow as they host WPI at noon in NEWMAC play.