Softball Falls Twice In MASCAC Tournament Semfinals To End Season

Bridgewater, MA --- Despite two base-knocks each by freshman Mackenzie Crumley (Fall River, MA/Durfee) and sophomore Meghan Rich (Chelmsford, MA), third-seeded Worcester State was defeated twice in the semifinal round of the MASCAC softball tournament by top-seed Bridgewater State and #5 Framingham State.

With the two setbacks on Saturday, the Blue and Gold end their season at 13-22 overall.  

In the opener of the winner's bracket afternoon game, the Bears (28-12) blanked the Lancers, 6-0, behind a strong effort in the circle by senior Amber White (Middleboro, MA).

White tossed a three-hit shutout with four strikeouts and she allowed three walks.

Bridgewater State struck the opening blow with an unearned run in the bottom of the first before two more unearned runs crossed the plate in the fifth for the 3-0 edge.

The Bears put the game out of reach as four more tallies came across the plate in the fourth. The outburst was highlighted by a two-run double by junior Jocelyn Bettencourt (Plymouth, MA) and a solo homer by freshman Kelly McCarthy (Burlington, MA).

Worcester State had their chances over the first several innings of play to get to White early. In the top of the first, freshman Courtney Salisbury (Cranston, RI) was at third, but was cut down on a play at home after a sacrifice was played at first base.

In the third and down by a run, sophomore Jillian Witkowski (Leicester, MA) was issued a free pass to lead off the frame. Witkowski then moved into scoring position following a passed ball and a walk, but she was stranded when White set down the side in order.

Witkowski also reached base again on a base on balls and got to second with a clean swipe. However, she was erased when the Lancers grounded into an inning ending double play.

White finished off the game with a perfect sixth and seventh.

Rich (7-6) was dealt the setback as she allowed 11 hits, six earned runs (three earned) to go with five punch outs and two walks.

In a must-win elimination game to contend for the championship against the Bears, the Blue and Gold were defeated by Framingham State, 8-2.

After scoring a trio of runs in the top of the first, Worcester State cut into the lead with two prompt scores. Salisbury walked and junior Katie Storro (Leominster, MA) doubled to put runners on second and third.

Sophomore Hayley Terry (Rehoboth, MA) then notched an RBI ground out and freshman Kayla Humphrey (Wallingford, CT) plated Storro with a solo base-knock to right to trail 3-2 after one complete inning.

The Rams though had other plans as they score three more times in the top of the fifth to open up a 6-2 advantage.

Worcester State had an outstanding opportunity in the bottom of the sixth to get back into the game, with the bases loaded. Singles by Rich and Witkowski sandwiched Crumley getting plunked, but the Blue and Gold had consecutive outs turned at home plate to end the threat.

A two-run double in the top of the seventh by sophomore Jess Anthony (Stoneham, MA) sealed the deal for the Rams, who advance to the title game, will try to knock off the Bears twice on Sunday.

Humphrey (5-7) absorbed the loss for the Lancers. She permitted six runs (four earned) on 10 hits to go with one walk and a trio of strikeouts.

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