Clermont, FL --- Despite a 3-for-4 performance from junior Katie Storro (Leominster, MA), the Worcester State was defeated 6-4 by Ripon in non-conference softball action on Tuesday afternoon at the Legends Field Complex.

Trailing 2-0 entering the top of the sixth, Lancers cut the lead in half. Senior Hillary Hart (Clinton, MA) doubled reached on double with one man down and scored on an RBI ground-out by freshman pinch-hitter Mackenzie Crumley (Fall River, MA/Durfee).

The River Red Hawks (1-2), however, took advantage of a key fielding error and scored four times in the bottom of the frame, taking over a 6-1 edge.

Worcester State didn't go away in the top of the seventh against a tiring junior Ashley Gnancinski (Muskego, WI).

After back-to-back solo base-knocks by sophomore Sara Pelletier (Leominster, MA) and junior Taylor Hanley (Wilmington, MA), second-year Meghan Rich (Chelmsford, MA) drove in Pelletier. Storro followed with a run producing single to make it a 6-3 contest.

With two outs the Storro crossed home plate after an infield miscue, but Gnancinski ended the contest by setting down the final batter on a groundout with runners on the corners.

WSU had a frustrating time at the plate over the first five frames as Gnancinski set down 15 of her first 20 batters.

Freshman Mary McKeown (Shrewsbury, MA) absorbed the setback in the circle for the Blue and Gold. She tossed a six-inning complete game allowing six runs (four earned) on five hits to go with four walks and a pair of punch outs.

WSU actually outhit their counterparts, 8-5, but left four in scoring position.

On Thursday the Lancers will take on Southern Maine at 9 AM and Amherst at 1 o'clock at Foundation Academy in Winter Gardens.