Softball Swept by UMass Boston

BOSTON, Mass. -- The UMass Boston softball team swept a non-conference doubleheader against visiting Bridgewater State University on Thursday afternoon.

The Beacons tossed a pair of shutouts winning the opener, 3-0, and completing the sweep with an 8-0 (6 Inn.) victory in game two.

Freshmen pitcher Annie Thomas (Lunenburg, Mass.) hurled a complete game, four-hitter to lead UMass to the 3-0 win in game one. Thomas (3-2) struck out seven and walked two.

Junior second baseman Kaitlyn Morse (Arlington, Mass.) went 3-for-3 to pace the Beacons' five-hit attack. Morse doubled in a run in the third inning to open the scoring. She also singled and scored in a two-run sixth.

Junior third baseman Tara McCann (Fall River, Mass.) went 1-for-2 with a double and a walk to highlight the BSU offense. Junior pitcher Kelly McCarthy (Burlington, Mass.) went the distance in the circle giving up three runs on five hits in the setback. McCarthy (6-3) walked one and fanned three. She also had one of the Bears' four hits.

UMB freshman Vic Zechello (Foxborough, Mass.) allowed five hits and one walk while striking out two to record the complete game shutout in the nightcap. Zechello improved her record to 3-1.

The Beacons, who took advantage of six BSU errors in the contest, put the game out of reach with a six-run third inning.

Senior left fielder Kristina Bove (Medford, Mass.) and junior first baseman Lauren Mitsiaris (Taunton, Mass.) each finished with two hits in game two, while Morse was 1-for-2 at the plate with a pair of walks and two runs scored. Bove went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI, and Mitsiaris went 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI.

BSU pitchers allowed eight runs on eight hits and four walks in five-plus innings of work. Only three of the eight runs were earned.

Bridgewater finished with five hits in the game. Junior second baseman Courtney Leddy (Saugus, Mass.) went 1-for-3 with a stolen base. McCann, junior left fielder Samantha LoPilato (Medford, Mass.) and sophomore shortstop Kristyna Flaherty (Burlington, Mass.) also went 1-for3, while junior catcher Cassidy Morrow (Dighton, Mass.) was 1-for-2.

Both teams are back in action on Saturday. The Bears travel to Babson College for an 11:00 AM doubleheader with the Beavers, while the Beacons host a twinbill with Emmanuel College starting at 1:00 PM.