The Worcester State University softball team was scheduled to host Framingham State for its annual Senior Day on Saturday, April 25, before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of their season just four days prior to first pitch. In lieu of the usual on-field Senior Day festivities, Worcester State Athletics is bringing the traditional ceremony online.
The two members of Worcester State’s senior class have each played two seasons for the Lancers, combining to play in 140 games, bat .292, drive in 41 career runs, and each were named to the All-MASCAC Second Team a season ago. They won a MASCAC Regular season championship in their first season with the Lancers in 2018.
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The first softball senior, an infielder from Shrewsbury, Mass., is Ashley Lynch. After transferring into Worcester State after one season at Simmons University, Ashley played in 73 career games for Worcester State, batting .312 with 41 runs scored and 21 runs batted in. In 237 at bats, Ashley only struck out 10 times in her Lancer career.
“Ashley has been a quiet leader but a force to be reckoned with in the infield at shortstop,” said head coach Keri Bianchini. “She has a cannon for an arm and has been one of our most consistent hitters for the last three years. She brings a light, carefree spirit to our group and is always upbeat but ready to take on a challenge. It has been great watching her grow as a person and a player and her presence is going to be missed next year.”
The Worcester State University Athletic Department would like to thank Ashley Lynch for her career with the Lancers!
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The final Lancer senior, from Worcester, Mass., is Samantha Stake. Samantha played in 67 career games for Worcester State, with a career batting average of .266. Samantha scored 32 runs in her career with 20 runs batted in, while collecting eight extra base hits.
“Samantha has been an outspoken leader for the Lancers for the last three years,” said Coach Bianchini. “As a captain this past year, she exemplified hard work and pushed her teammates on and off the field. She has always worn her heart on her sleeve and brings a passion to the game like no other. Making huge plays defensively and getting us off the bench with aggressive baserunning are just a few ways that make her an impact player for Worcester State.
The Worcester State Athletic Department congratulates Samantha Stake on a fantastic career!
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On behalf of the entire Worcester State community, we thank Ashley and Samantha for their contributions to the softball program, and wish them all the best in their future endeavors!
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