Posted: Apr 14, 2018
WESTFIELD, Mass. - Westfield State University's softball team scored five runs in a decisive fourth and fifth inning to help lead the Owls to a 5-2 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference win and a split over Salem State University Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field.
Westfield State improves to 7-13 on the season and 3-3 in the MASCAC while Salem State is now 10-15 overall and 4-2 in the league.
In the opener, the Owls came out to a 3-0 lead in the fourth inning after senior Maddy Atkocaitis (Westfield, Mass.) reached home on an error, followed by a two-RBI single from sophomore Kaitlynn Prophet (Bellingham, Mass.).
Westfield State increased their lead by two in the fifth inning after an RBI triple from Atkocaitis. She then scored on a fielder's choice.
Salem State's sophomore Dominique Del Vecchio (Stoneham, Mass.) answered with an RBI single in the sixth inning followed by an unearned run in the seventh to cut the Owls' lead by two.
Owls' freshman pitcher Emily Arredondo (Woburn, Mass.) earned the win, going seven innings and allowing one earned run on five hits with one strikeout.
In the second game, Salem State scored four runs in the sixth inning to top Westfield State 5-3.
The Owls jumped out to a 2-0 lead with runs scored by freshman Jessica Scoville (Northfield, Mass. / Pioneer Valley Regional) in the first inning and junior Kayla Soucie (North Easton, Mass. / Oliver Ames) in the second inning.
The Vikings would get on board in the third inning after an RBI single from senior Marisa Sanchez (Framingham, Mass.) to make it 2-1.
Westfield State's junior Caitlin Hughes (Hanson, Mass. / Whitman Hanson) scored an unearned run in the third inning to increase their lead to 3-1.
Salem State's junior Chloe Manousos (Lowell, Mass.) turned things around for Salem State in the sixth inning with a three RBI double to grab the 4-3 lead over the Owls. Del Vecchio followed with a single. Manousos scored on an error to clinch the 5-3 victory.
Sophomore Emily Woodworth (Marlborough, Mass.) took the loss for the Owls going seven innings and allowing four earned runs on five hits with two strikeouts.
The Owls will host a MASCAC doubleheader against Fitchburg State University on Monday, April 16th with games beginning at noon.
Salem State will host Worcester State in a conference doubleheader on Monday, April 16th at noon.