Softball Splits with Buccaneers, Caetano Launches Grand Slam in Game One

BUZZARDS BAY, Mass. — The Rivier softball team played their first New England double-header of the season today, winning game one over Mass. Maritime, 8-4, and falling in game two, 12-5, against the Mass. Maritime at Alison Rollins Field in non-conference action.  

In the top of the fourth inning of game one, Kylee Caetano hit her first collegiate grand slam.

The Raiders now sit at 6-6 overall, yet to play a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) contest. 

Rivier will return to play on Saturday, March 23 in its home opener versus Fitchburg St. playing two, with first pitches set for 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Rivier 8, Mass. Maritime 4 

The Raiders would bring in six runs before the Buccaneers answered back. Olivia Couto still hot from Florida, singled up the middle sending Hayleigh Silva home in the top of the first, 1-0. With Hayley Rapaglia reaching on a fielder's choice, this gave Caetano enough time to cross the plate, 2-0.

In the fourth with two outs, Christina Louh singled through the right side, Amanda Atkinson singled through the left side, and Silva walked to load the bases. Caetano then up to bat, launched a grand slam over the center field fence, putting the Raiders up 6-0.

Mass. Maritime totaled two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, cutting Rivier's lead to four.

Avry Nelson ripped a double to right field, pushing Kayla Miles home in the fifth, 7-3.

In the sixth, the Raiders would tally an unearned run on a wild pitch, 8-3.

Generated by a Buccaneer single to right field, the final run of the game was scored, but it was not enough to defeat the Raiders.

Hailey Berube completed four innings for the Raiders in the circle, striking out four batters and claiming the win.

Miles went 1-for-1 with a double to left center and Caetano was 2-for-3 with four RBI.

Mass. Maritime 12, Rivier 5 

The contest started with back-to-back home runs from the Bucs in the bottom of the first, quickly leading the Raiders 3-0.

It wasn't until the top of the fifth when Riv crossed the plate. Kyleigh Burtsell recorded a double to right collecting three RBI to tie the game at 3-3.

Bottom five, Mass. Maritime put away six runs regaining the lead at 9-3.

Up next, Caetano singled to second base in the sixth inning, scoring Atkinson and Louh, chipping away at the score.

The Bucs tacked on three more runs in the sixth, two generated by a 2-run homer, securing their win 12-5.

Silva pitched just under four innings on the mound for Rivier, striking out three.