Softball splits three doubleheaders
By Chris Petersen
Writer
Ashley Beans ’09 achieved two milestones in recent home games, as the softball team split a doubleheader against St. Francis (Pa.) on Wednesday and a four-game series against Lafayette last weekend.
Beans hit her seventh career home run, moving her into a tie for seventh on the program’s top 10 list as the Bison faced St. Francis at home.
Despite falling down 1-0 early in the second game against St. Francis, the Bison rallied to win the game 6-3, thanks to strong batting by Jessie Snyder ’11 and Jane Messersmith ’12. Messersmith also finished the game with a career-high seven strikeouts in seven innings, adding to her strong offensive performance. It was also her team-leading 10th complete game of the season.
“It feels really good to know that I am helping my team and I hope I continue on a positive path,” Messersmith said.
Earlier in the day, the Bison fell decidedly by 7-1. The lone bright spot came in the seventh inning when Beans hit her fourth home run of the season. For the rest of the game, St. Francis was in control.
Katie McDonald ’09 allowed a grand slam, and St. Francis’ pitcher carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Lauren Fry ’11 singled up the middle.
Over the weekend, the Orange and Blue split a four-game series at home against Lafayette to remain at .500 in Patriot League action.
On Sunday, the Bison posted seven runs in the sixth inning of the later game, defeating Lafayette, 8-0. The game was called after six innings, but not before Beans drilled a two-run home run into left field.
Beans finished the game hitting 2-4 with a run and two RBIs. She also contributed on the defensive side with a diving catch in center field to keep a runner from advancing.
“I was very happy about putting together a consistent weekend,” Beans said. “This is what our team is building on, we are trying to develop into a consistent team that will play well in all conditions.”
The game was a lot closer than the score indicated. Going into the sixth, the Bison were clinging to a 1-0 lead before the offense exploded with strong batting by Ashley Carlson ’09, Alyson Ford ’11 and Fry.
McDonald recorded the win, giving up just two hits in six innings and bringing her record to 7-5.
Earlier in the day, pitching was the highlight as Lafayette pulled out a close 2-1 victory over the Orange and Blue.
The Bison took the 1-0 lead after the first inning, but Lafayette scored two runs in the top of the second, taking the lead.
Both teams had chances to score later in the game, but the Bison left seven players on base, while Lafayette stranded five.
Despite giving up a walk and a two-run homerun in the second, Messersmith put together a solid performance with a 1-2-3 inning in the first and five strikeouts overall.
Cassie Lloyd ’09 hit 2-for-2 in the game, helping her to a total of 5-for-6 for the day.
“Sunday I was just seeing the ball well and I was definitely confident at the plate,” Lloyd said.
On Saturday, the Orange and Blue recovered from an earlier loss with a 7-2 victory in the later game. The Bison led 2-1 after the second inning, never relinquishing their lead. The offensive onslaught was highlighted by a triple by Beans. With five on the season, she is now tied for 10th on the University’s single-season triples list and finished the 2-3 with two runs and two RBIs.
The win improved Messersmith’s record to 4-7 as she allowed two runs and struck out six in her eighth complete game of the season.
“I have been working really hard in practice and it is nice to know it is paying off,” Messersmith said. “The team has definitely contributed to my success as well by backing me up with their awesome defense and hitting.”
The Orange and Blue dropped their opening contest on Saturday by a score of 8-4. They gave up seven runs in the first two innings, never able to recover.
Fry connected for her first home run of the season in the fourth inning, and Sam Rollandi ’11 scored teammate Elyse Colmenero ’11 with a fielder’s choice.
Colmenero finished the game 2-2 with two runs and a walk. McDonald took the loss for the Bison despite striking out five.
The Bison travel to Hamilton, N.Y., for two double headers against Patriot League rival Colgate tomorrow and Sunday. On Tuesday, they take on UMBC in a home double header.
