Softball Posts 3-2 Ninth Inning Victory In MASCAC Tournament Over Fitchburg State

Worcester, MA --- Sophomore Hayley Terry (Rehoboth, MA) knocked in freshman Courtney Salisbury (Cranston, RI) for the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning to help propel third-seeded Worcester State to a 3-2 victory over #6 Fitchburg State in the first round of the MASCAC Softball Tournament this evening at Rockwood Park.

The Lancers (12-20) move on to the double-elimination quarterfinals to take on second-seeded MCLA tomorrow at 3 PM. The Falcons see their season come to a close at 14-17.

Salisbury smashed a triple to right center in the bottom of the ninth to start off the frame before Terry drover her in with a single through the left side to end the contest and help WSU move on to the next round of the league playoffs.

Fitchburg State originally knotted things up 2-2 in the top of the sixth on an RBI ground out by junior pinch-hitter Colleen Flaherty (Stoughton, MA), who drove in freshman pinch-runner Kelsey LeBlanc (Attleboro, MA). First-year Courtney Borysewicsz (Quaker Hill, CT) originally started off the frame with a lead-off double to help spark the late rally for the Falcons.

Both squads had their chances in extra innings to put their team on top, but neither could capitalize.

Borysewicsz jacked another lead-off two-bagger, but she was caught trying to advance to third after a ground-out in the top of the eighth.

Freshman Kayla Humphrey (Wallingford, CT) singled in the bottom of the same stanza and moved to third on a double by classmate Mackenzie Crumley (Fall River, MA) with no one out, but they were both stranded at the plate when Falcon senior Kerry Alcott (Groton, MA) set down the next three batters to end the threat.

Fitchburg State originally staked the early 1-0 advantage on a run producing at bat by freshman Jessalynne Brown (Malden, MA) who plated senior Ashley Forgues (Fitchburg, MA) in the top of the first.

The hosts responded with a pair of scores in the bottom of the third and took over the 2-1 edge.

Salisbury stretched out a three-base knock to bring in sophomore Sara Pelletier (Leominster, MA) to tie up the score. Salisbury then crossed the plate on the go-ahead tally on a dropped play at the plate by the catcher from the pitcher on a fielder's choice.

Sophomore Meghan Rich (Chelmsford, MA) evened out her record to 7-7 in the complete-game effort for the Lancers. She fanned two, walked three and allowed two earned runs while scattering eight hits.

Alcott (7-7) went the distance as she permitted three runs (two earned) to go with 10 hits and one free pass. She rung up eight on strikes in her final collegiate start.

Salisbury was 4-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored at the top of the order to help the hosts outhit their opponents 10-8 in the extra inning affair. Pelletier also chipped in with two base-knocks for the Lancers.

Borysewicz and sophomore Tori Cyrus (Everett, MA) both went 2-for-4 to pace the Falcons at the plate.

You can follow the Worcester State Lancers on Facebook and Twitter