N. Adams, MA --- MCLA senior Michelle Boyer's (Clarksburg, MA) home-run in the bottom of the fifth proved to be the difference as the second-seeded Trailblazers earned a 1-0 triumph over #3 Worcester State in the Quarterfinal round of the MASCAC Softball Tournament this afternoon.
MCLA (20-20) takes on top-seeded Bridgewater State in the winners bracket Semifinal tomorrow at 1 PM while the Lancers (23-16) play #4 Fitchburg State at 11 AM in the losers bracket. All games will be in Bridgewater, MA.
Both squads had their chances to score runs early on in the contest, but did nothing with the opportunity.
In the bottom of the second, MCLA sophomore Sam Barbarotta (Pittsfield, MA) singled and then freshman Tanelle Ciampa (Adams, MA) sacrificed her over to second, but both runners advanced on an errant throw by the third-baseman with no one out.
But senior Hannah Everson (Methuen, MA) buckled down and retired the side in order with consecutive punchouts and a pop-up.
In the top of the fifth, sophomore Taylor Hanley (Wilmington, MA) broke-up MCLA freshman Rachel Quackenbush (Hoosick Falls, NY) no-hit bid on a single before she reached second on a stolen base.
Quackenbush, however, bore down and ended the frame on a strikeout and a ground-out.
That set the stage for Boyer to lead off the bottom of the fifth with her third homer of the year for a blast to right field.
The Lancers had a chance in the top of the seventh to score the equalizer when senior Alex Kerr (Franklin, MA) belted a two-out double to left field and she advanced to second on an errant throw by the left fielder.
But Quackenbush ended the game by fanning her eighth batter to help send the Trailblazers to the winners bracket. Quackenbush improved to 10-6 in the two-hitter as she issued three walks.
Everson (9-6) gave up one earned run and three base-knocks to go along with six strikeouts and zero free passes.
There were no multi-hitters for either side, but Hanley reached base twice on a pair of walks. Both sides stranded seven in scoring position.