Softball Splits With Pace

Boxscore Game 1 - Boxscore Game 2

Springfield, Mass. - Sophomore Michelle Franey (Abington, Mass.) had two hits and two RBI while another sophomore Sara Swepston (Dallas, Pa.) pitched seven innings allowing only two runs on two hits to lead the American International College softball team to a 5-2 game one victory over the Pace Setters Friday afternoon. In game two, Pace notched a three run third inning to help them move past AIC with a 4-1 victory, earning a split of the Northeast-10 doubleheader.

In the first game, the Yellow Jackets totaled two scores in the first stanza. Franey got the contest started, smoking a single down the left field line. Kellie Brown (Gill, Mass.) then ripped a double to left field, advancing Franey to third. After senior Kayla Donnelly (Pittsfield, Mass.) popped up to shortstop and senior Tara DeMontier (Worcester, Mass.) got on via a fielder's choice, junior Deanna Zanetti (Hampden, Mass.) crushed a double into the left field gap, scoring two.

AIC added another run in the third when DeMontier smashed her fifth homerun of the season over the right field fence.

After Pace got a run back, the Yellow Jackets closed the door, pushing home two more runs in the fourth when Franey plated sophomore Nicole Benoit (Walpole, Mass.) and sophomore Katie Elie (Worcester, Mass.) with a two run double to center field. Pace grabbed one more run, but fell 5-2.

In the second game of the doubleheader, it was Pace opening the scoring with a three run third inning. Junior starting pitcher Sara Puglisi (Amsterdam, N.Y.) ran into trouble after walking a pair of runners and giving up a single to start the inning. After a bases loaded single and a two out double scoring two, the Setters were on top 3-0.

AIC never recovered, giving up another score in the fifth and notching only a run of their own in the fourth. Senior Megan Nickerson (Greenfield, Mass.), came in and replaced Puglisi, tossing two and a third innings, not allowing a hit.

AIC moved to 13-16 overall and 4-10 in the conference following the split. The Setters go to 12-12 overall and 3-7 in the conference.

The Yellow Jackets will hit the road to face Southern New Hampshire tomorrow at noon.