Softball Drops Two At New England College

HENNIKER, N.H. – The Elms College Softball team was ready to host the New England College Pilgrims on Sunday afternoon in a big NECC doubleheader. The two games would affect conference standings and determine whether the Blazers would host a first round playoff game or be on the road. This was also a big day for Elms as it was senior day for six seniors; however due to inclement weather in the area Elms would have to travel to New England College. The Blazers would lose both games at NEC, dropping game one 6-2 and game two 6-5.

Game 1 – New England College 6, Elms 2

Game one started out as a pitcher's duel between both starters. Neither team could get on the board until the top of the 4^th when the Pilgrims would plate four runs. The Blazers would answer right back with two runs in the bottom of the frame when Kayla Doherty (Plaistow, NH) doubled to center field scoring Tyla Risucci (Watertown, CT). Katelyn Sylvia (Southwick, MA) would step up and rip a single scoring Doherty.  

The Pilgrims would get two big insurance runs off of Blazer miscues in the field in the top of the 7^th and go on to take game one 6-2

Taylor Barbour would get the complete game win for NEC, Lisa Lusardi (Enfield, CT) pitched seven strong innings in the loss.

Game 2 – New England College 6, Elms 5

Game two saw NEC take an early four run lead with a two run 1^st inning and 3^rd inning. The Blazers would start to chip away at the Pilgrim lead. Elms would get on the board in the bottom of the 3^rd on a Katelyn Sylvia (Southwick, MA) solo home run over the center field fence, and would add another run in the 5^th when Sylvia singled in Ryan Fournier (Longmeadow, MA).

Elms would complete the comeback and take the lead in the bottom of the 6^th. The Blazer bats would come alive picking up five hits and scoring three times in the inning. Kayla Doherty (Plaistow, NH) would double in Jeszy McGuire (Brimfield, MA). Tea Sullivan (Dracut, MA) would step up and deliver a single scoring Doherty. The Blazers would have the basses loaded with no outs but could get in one more run and take a slim 5-4 lead.  

The Blazers were not able to hold that lead and gave up two runs in the top of the 7^th, and were unable to mount anything in the bottom of the frame, losing game two 6-5.

Gabriella Marcheschi would pitch two innings and get the win for the Pligrims. Lusardi would pitch another complete game in the loss.  

The Blazers will travel to Lesley University on Tuesday for a 1^st round NECC playoff game. First pitch is scheduled for 7pm.