Softball: Raiders stumble at home to Maine-Farmington, 8-6 and 9-1

Story written and posted by Anthony Perry, Rivier University Sports Information Director

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier University Softball team was swept this afternoon by the visiting University of Maine-Farmington, 8-6 and 9-1 in a non-conference double-head at soon to be named Joanne Merrill Field. The pair of losses sends the Raiders overall record to 4-14 while the Beavers climb to 6-12 on the season.

Game One: University of Maine-Farmington 8, Rivier University 6 (Final)

The Beavers scored single runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh to edge Rivier, 8-6 in the opening contest. The Raiders jumped out to an early lead by scoring four times in the first inning however they weren't able to hold on for the win.

Senior Mikayla Ramsdell (Salem, N.H.) guided the Raider offense as she went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, a home run and two RBI while junior Tayla Legrand (Tewksbury, Mass.) and freshman Katerina St. Angelo (Johnston, R.I.) also recorded multi-hit games. St. Angelo finished 2-for-3 with a run scored and Legrand went 2-for-4 with a run scored. Sophomore Morgan Pratt (Pelham, N.H.) and freshman Nicole Capra (Lowell, Mass.) each finished 2-for-3 with a RBI each in the loss.

Junior Taylor Rowsell (Chelmsford, Mass.) started the game inside the circle for the Raiders as she tossed five innings allowing six runs (three earned) on seven hits while striking out two. Sophomore Kellie Kennedy (Hudson, N.H.) received the loss as she surrendered two runs (one earned) on one hit and struck out two.

The Beavers saw senior Kailyn Hill (Lisbon, Maine) pick up her first win of the season as she spun a complete game effort giving up six runs (all earned) on twelve hits and striking out one. Junior Alyssa Dillan (Plymouth, Mass.) was the offensive star as she belted a home run and finished 2-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI. Sophomore Justice Merrill (Readfield, Maine) also had a multi-hit effort as she went 2-for-3 with a run scored.

Game Two: University of Maine-Farmington 9, Rivier University 1 (Final/5 innings)

The offensive barrage for the Beavers was done in the first inning as they plated seven of their nine runs in route to the 9-1 mercy rule win in the nightcap to complete the sweep.

Freshman Sydney Greeno (Shirley, Mass.) fell to 1-2 on the season as she was credited with the loss after not allowing an earned run. She lasted just 2/3 of an inning allowing seven runs on three hits and issuing three walks. Junior Courtney Trahan (Brooklyn, Conn.) then tossed the final 4.1 inning only surrendering two runs (both unearned) on three hits while walking four and striking out three.

Junior Kasey Smith (Hopkinton, N.H.) went 2-for-3 with a stolen base to lead the Raider offense as they managed just five hits in the ball game. Trahan made her only hit count as she smacked a solo home run in the second inning. Sophomore Alexa Zienkiewicz (Goffstown, N.H.) and Pratt collected the other Raider base knocks finishing the contest by going 1-for-2.

UMF starting pitcher junior Brianna McGrath (Lyman, N.H.) evened her overall record at 4-4 as she spun a complete game for the Beavers. McGrath allowed just one run (Trahan's homer) on five hits while striking out four and issuing two walks. Hill finished the day after earning the win in game one with a 1-for-2 outing including launching a home run and freshman Makayla Wilson (Belgrade, Maine) went 1-for-4 with a double and a RBI in the win.
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Next up for the Raiders will be a trip to Weston, Mass. for a Great Northeast Athletic Conference double-header at Regis College on Friday evening. Game time is set for 5pm. Maine-Farmington will also return to conference action when they host the University of Maine-Presque Isle on Saturday afternoon beginning at 2pm.