Box Score

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- A combined five runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings was just enough for the University of New England in a 5-4 triumph over the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth on Wednesday (Mar. 19) at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Softball Classic.

Winners of four consecutive outings, the Nor'easters now stand at 5-3. UMD drops to 1-7 with the setback.

The Corsairs plated two in the top of the 2nd only to see UNE answer with three in the bottom of the frame. Sophomores Kelly Murphy and Abby Lambert reached with singles, and classmate Meghan Bolano walked to load the bases. After a pop out on the infield, senior Ali Stanley flew out to centerfield to score Murphy. As Lambert and Bolano each attempted to move up one base on the play, an error by the catcher allowed both to come around and give Big Blue the lead.

UMD tied things at 3-3 in the 3rd, but the Nor'easters had an answer once again when it was their turn to bat. With the bases loaded and one out, Lambert singled into right field to score sophomore Amanda Vallante and senior Amanda Vaudreuil.

It wasn't until the 6th that UMass Dartmouth inched one run closer (5-4). A two-out single and a walk set the stage for the second RBI-single of the day by Bre Marcyoniak. The Corsairs stranded a runner at second in their last chance to extend the game.

Like Lambert, Vallante tallied two hits for UNE. Lambert also registered her first win of the season in the circle, surrendering two earned runs.

Emily Pontes and Marissa Spinuzzi each had two hits for UMD. Shannon Orton was charged with the loss, giving up six hits and five walks.

The Nor'easters conclude their Florida trip on Thursday with games against the University of Wisconsin-Superior and Clarkson University.


Earlier in the day: UNE 8, Wooster (Ohio) 5