WORCESTER, Mass. – Clark University softball (10-9, 0-4 NEWMAC) hosted Springfield (12-4, 4-0 NEWMAC) in the Cougars' home opener at O'Brien Field. The Pride used a three-run first and a five-run fourth to pull away in each game, winning 4-1 and 5-1, respectively.
How it Happened (Game One)
- After a walk and stolen base to start the top of the first, the Pride used three straight singles to plate two runs. After a passed ball put runners on second and third, a walk loaded the bases, with another run scoring on a fielder's choice as Springfield took an early 3-0 lead.
- Junior Charlise Quigley led off the bottom of the inning with a single but was stranded at first. Junior Megan Dube kept the deficit at three over the next three innings.
- Senior Felicia Salvati recorded the next hit for the Cougars with a leadoff double in the fifth but was also stranded at second.
- In the sixth, Springfield put a runner on via an error before scoring them on a single a batter later to make it 4-0.
- Clark added a run in the bottom of the inning, with senior Emelie Spence leading off with a bunt single before stealing second. She later came home on an RBI double by sophomore Gricelda Castro.
- That would be the final run of the game, as the Pride did not allow a rally in the seventh, ultimately handing Clark a 4-1 loss.
How it Happened (Game Two)
- It was a pitcher's duel for the first three innings, with only five total hits allowed. Senior Brooke Buzzeo struck out two batters in that span.
- The Pride found their offense in the fourth. After two quick outs, two straight singles and a walk loaded the bases. A wild pitch scored the opening run, and a double plated two more. Three straight singles followed, bringing in two additional runs as Springfield took a 5-0 lead.
- Clark got a run back in the bottom of the inning, with senior Erin Slavin leading off with a single before another single from Salvati put her in scoring position. Slavin later scored on an RBI grounder from sophomore Abigail Venis to cut the deficit to four.
- That would be the final run of the game. Sophomore Gwen Castro singled in the final inning but was stranded at first as the Pride secured a 5-1 win to complete the sweep.
What's Next
The Scarlet and White travel to Framingham State on Wednesday for a non-conference doubleheader, with first pitch scheduled for 3:00 and 5:00 PM.