Raiders Outlast AMCATS in GNAC Doubleheader

Worcester, Mass.—The Anna Maria College softball team dropped in a two game series with the Raiders of Rivier University on Tuesday evening in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action. The Raiders took a 12-5 victory in game one before earning a 9-1 victory in game two. The loss drops the AMCATS to 3-17 overall and 1-9 in the conference while the Raiders improve to 8-10 on the season and 2-4 in the GNAC.

GAME ONE

Rivier came out strong notching four hits and three runs in the top of the first inning of game one to take an early 3-0 lead. Cali Swormstedet got things started with a single to third base and then advanced to scoring position following an AMCAT fielding error. Kasey Smith and Taylor Rowsell each earned RBI singles in the first inning.

After holding Anna Maria to no runs in the bottom of the first and second innings the Raiders added another run in the top of the second to take the 4-0 lead. Both teams did not post a run over the next three innings, but the Raiders came back to life in the top of the fifth with five more runs to take a 9-0 lead.

Anna Maria found a spark in the bottom of the sixth inning as they tallied five hits and five runs. With two outs, Kayla Magierowski (Spencer, Mass.) got on base by a walk and a deep single to left field from Hannah Trudo (Pomfret Center, Conn.) would put Magierowski in scoring position at third. Sarah Coley (Worcester, Mass.) earned the AMCATS first RBI as she knocked one into left field and scored Magierowski from third. A single to center field by Jacqueline Lapierre (Worcester, Mass.) and a two RBI single to left from Amanda Lemire (Methuen, Mass.) brought the AMCATS within six (9-3).

Following a Rivier pitching change the AMCATS were able to tally two more runs off of a double from Victoria Falco (Marlborough, Mass.) to end the inning, 9-5.

Anna Maria could not hold off the Raiders as they put up three more runs in the seventh and the AMCATS were unable to answer giving the visitors the ultimate, 12-5 victory.

Lemire led the AMCATS going one for two at the plate with two RBIs. Falco pitched in with a hit and two RBIs while Sarah Coley joined the leader board going two for three with an RBI on the night. Alexis Romano (Lowell, Mass.) took the loss on the mound for the AMCATS, pitching 5.2 innings and scattering 11 hits, eight runs (seven earned), and two strikeouts.

Rowsell led the visitors going four for five at the plate with three RBIs. Jessica Cote also had three RBIs in the victory and Swormstedt went four for five with two RBIs. Rowsell earned the win on the mound for Rivier pitching 5.2 innings while giving up 11 hits and five runs and tallying three strikeouts.

GAME TWO

Rivier and Anna Maria traded first inning runs to tie it up 1-1 entering the second inning. Mikayla Ramsdell scored, unearned, following an AMCAT error in the top of the second to take a 2-1 lead. The visitors extended their lead in the top of the third with three more runs scored off of a home run by Destiny Jordan (5-1). The next two innings were scoreless, but the Raiders were able to notch one more run in the top of the sixth and three runs in the top of the seventh to take the ultimate 9-1 victory.

Freshman, Mackenzie Shurtleff (Wareham, Mass.) went one for three at the plate with one RBI to lead the AMCATS. Kaitlyn Moran (Leicester, Mass.) took the loss in game two, pitching six innings and allowing six hits and nine runs (six earned) while striking out two batters.

Cote and Jordan each went one for three at the plate with three RBIs. Courtney Trahan earned the victory on the mound pitching a complete game. She allowed six hits and just one run scored while striking out one batter.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The AMCATS host Emmanuel College in GNAC action on Wednesday, April 19 for a doubleheader starting at 2:00 p.m. The Raiders travel to Mount Ida on Wednesday, April 12 for a pair of conference contests starting at 3:00 p.m.