Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Softball team (10-7, 2-0) had a slight switch in schedule today serving as the away team but hosts for today's double header versus Anna Maria College (8-10, 0-2) after last week's storms. Worcester looks to continue their winning ways after splitting with Gordon College last Tuesday, while the AMCATs aim to get back on track after two tough games versus Emmanuel.
Final- Game 1
Anna Maria: 1
Worcester State: 7
Final- Game 2
Anna Maria: 0
Worcester State: 8
How it Happened:
The first match opened up with junior shortstop Emma Lanpher (Charlton, MA) grounding out after hitting the ball infield and failing to reach first in time. The Lancers would get two runners on base after a walk and a single. Fortunately for Anna Maria a double play would see the Lancers leave the first inning not scoring. The first at bat for Anna Maria would result in a walk as senior pitcher Emily Barlett (Lowell, MA) would bounce back by getting two outs but not before Anna Maria would score one run in the bottom of the first. The second inning would see one runner get on base but three quick outs would see the Lancers still down one run.
The top of the fourth would see Emma Lanpher have an opportunity to bring runners home after the bases were loaded up. With two outs on the board it was a high pressure moment but a hit into center field would fall just before the outfielders could collect the ball sending two runs home. An error would see two additional scores after sophomore right fielder Emma Lapoint (Westfield, MA) gets the hit to left of the infield. Lancers would leave the top of the fourth with 4-1 advantage over the AMCATS. The bottom of the fourth would see Anna Maria be more bold with their approach to batting. This aggressive methodology would not work out as Emily Barlett would dominate from the mound.
The 5th inning saw sophomore first baseman Amanda Adamuska (Dudley, MA) hit a line drive down the right field line to bring in two more and provide Worcester with a 6-1 lead. On the mound Bartlett would continue her dominance striking out 3 and give Worcester State more breathing room. The 6th inning Lanpher would make great contact with bases loaded but the flyout would only see one additional run score, which would end up being the last of the game as Bartlett would finish the complete game and give the lancers a 7-1 win over the AMCATs.
In game two action Lanpher scored off a sacrifice RBI by Emily Bartlett who had hit an RBI single for sophomore Jayden Kelly (Tyngsboro, MA). Lapoint would additionally hit a 2 run single one being unearned but getting Lanpher and senior first baseman Lauren Dube (Leominster, MA) across the plate. Lapoint would grab another base hit, this time with sophomore center fielder Bailey Tammaro (Fitchburg, MA) scoring. Bartlett's grounded out to the shortstop would still record an RBI as Lanpher would sprint home for the score. Junior catcher Abigail Koziol (Lunenburg, MA) reached on a single, scoring Lapoint in while Lanpher would end the scoring with a single up the middle scoring first year right fielder Cali Brouillard (Millbury, MA). Junior pitcher Sarah Gosselin (Charlton, MA) pitched 5 great innings with just one given up in the bottom of the fifth inning as the Lancers swept the Anna Maria Amcats in the afternoon.
What's Next:
Worcester State (12-7, 2-0) have a tight turnaround as they welcome MASCAC rivals Westfield State Owls to Ralph Raymod Diamond tomorrow, April 9th, at 3:30pm for a rescheduled double header match from this past Saturday.