April 8, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carole Grills
(413) 585-2703

Softball Falls at Westfield State

Northampton, MA: The Pioneers could not capitalize on two scoring opportunities and fell to non-conference opponent Westfield State 2-0 yesterday in Westfield, Massachusetts. With the loss, Smith dropped to 4-15 overall while the Owls improved to 13-7.

In the bottom of the first inning, Westfield's Jackie Mason (Florida, MA) led off with a single and went to third on a sacrifice hit by Alicia Gardner (Athol, MA). A two-out single by Katie Gorman (Feeding Hills, MA) drove Mason home for the Owls first run.  The home team scored again in the second inning on a home run by junior Danielle Lutenegger (Sunderland, MA) to give Westfield the 2-0 lead. Smith pitcher Emily Hiltzik (Westbury, NY) gave up just three hits over the next four innings and struck out a total of six but took the loss on the mound.

The Pioneers had two scoring threats.  With one out in the third inning, Lauren Martinez (Phoenix, AZ) singled and then stole second followed by Megan Kiefer (Oak Park, IL) who walked. Both runners advanced on a double steal but were left stranded.  In the fifth inning, Crystal Fryer (Louisville, KY), Kathryn Durkin (Victor, NY) and Kiefer all singled to load the bases but again were left on base.

The Pioneers resume New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) play on Friday when they travel to the Coast Guard Academy for a doubleheader beginning at 3:30 pm and then return home to host NEWMAC rival Wheaton College on Saturday at 1 p.m.