Worcester, Mass. - Clark overcame a pair of early deficits, including a four-run rally in the seventh inning of the opener, to sweep host WPI 6-3 and 6-5 in a key NEWMAC softball doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon. Clark improves to 14-8 overall and 6-2 in the conference, while WPI slips to 14-11 on the season and 2-6 in the league.

In game one, Lauren DiFelice launched a home run to left center to put the Engineers in front 1-0 in the second inning. The Crimson and Gray tacked on another run in the fourth as Katherine Fitton singled, advanced on a pair of Cougar miscues, and was plated on a base hit by DiFelice.

The Cougars evened the game in the fifth. Meghan Lennon (Charlton, Mass.) reached on a one-out walk and Katherine Tutela (Dalton, Mass.) singled to set the stage for Stefanie Kettenacker (Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.) to smack a double to allow Lennon to cross the plate. Maya Allen (Concord, Mass.) singled to center field for the RBI as Tutela made it home for the 2-2 draw.

WPI grabbed the lead again in the sixth. Kim Martilla reached on an error and made her way around the base paths courtesy of a fielder's choice, a Maddie Willar single and another Cougar miscue.

With one out in the top of the seventh inning, Lennon began the Clark rally with a base hit to left field. After a strikeout, Kettenacker and Allen singled to load the bases. Mel Melkonian (Worcester, Mass.) reached on an error which enabled Lennon and Kettenacker to score for the 4-3 edge. Tatiana Chunis (Sutton, Mass.) kept the momentum going with a two-run double to add a pair of key insurance runs.

Sarah Carter (Worcester, Mass.) picked up the win for the Cougars allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits as she improved to 7-5.

For the Crimson and Gray, Allie Hardy surrendered six runs (five earned) in a complete game effort.  The junior struck out six and dipped to 5-3 on the season.

The Engineers lit up the scoreboard early in the bottom of the first inning of the second game.  Leadoff hitter Nicole McDonough deposited a 3-2 pitch that cleared the fence for a home run. Juliana Fekete walked and Fitton joined her on the base via a miscue two batters later. DiFelice reached on a dropped fly ball to load the bases with one out. Martilla and Sarah Johnson each delivered RBI to push the advantage to 3-0.

Clark responded in the next half inning on a double to left field by Heather Figula (Brick, N.J.) to plate Lennon.

The Cougars brought the game to a standstill with a pair of runs in the fourth. Lennon doubled and Figula walked. Nicole Meuse (Hudson, Mass.) took over the running duties for Figula and the pair scored following a bases-loaded walk by Allen and an Engineer miscue.

In the Clark fifth, Erin Murphy (Boxboro, Mass.) led off with a homer to the Cougars a 4-3 advantage.  WPI regained the lead in its half of the inning after McDonough doubled and came around to score on a single by Erin Beaulieu.  Beaulieu regained the advantage for the hosts two batters later when she came plateward on an RBI single by DiFelice.

The cat-and-mouse game continued in the sixth as Melkonian hit a run-producing-single to plate Kettenacker who had doubled to left field. Melkonian made her way around the diamond on a ground out and scored on a wild pitch for what proved to be the game-winning run.

Meuse (7-3) earned the win tossing a complete game and striking out three while allowing five runs (two earned) on six hits.

Erin Flaherty (6-5) took the loss giving up six runs (four earned) and striking out eight in six innings of work. Christa Cosica was in the circle for the final inning of the day, hurling a scoreless seven inning.

DiFelice led all players with four hits on the day for the Engineers while Allen, Kettenacker and Lennon all notched three base hits for the Cougars.

The Engineers continue their six game NEWMAC homestand on Friday when they entertain Springfield, while Clark ventures to New London, Conn. to face Coast Guard Academy. Both doubleheaders begin at 3:00 p.m.