Softball: Raiders suffer pair of one-run losses to Suffolk

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

(Hudson, N.H.) The Rivier University Softball team suffered a pair of heart-breaking one-run losses this afternoon as they hosted Suffolk University in Great Northeast Athletic Conference double-header over at Presentation of Mary Academy in Hudson. The losses send the Raiders overall record to 4-10 and are now 0-2 in the conference while the Rams improve to 11-9 overall, 2-0 in league play.

Game One: Suffolk University 7, Rivier University 6 (Final)

A six-run fourth inning put the Raiders ahead but the Rams were able to fight back with a pair of runs in the fifth and two more in the seventh for the 7-6 final. Trailing by two entering the final frame, Suffolk was able to to take the lead on a two-out, two-run double by Grace Boehler.

That double spoiled the brilliant outing from sophomore Kellie Kennedy (Hudson, N.H.) who spun a complete game allowing seven runs (two earned) on nine hits while striking out five.

Offensively for Rivier, they were paced by both junior Kasey Smith (Hopkinton, N.H.) and sophomroe Julia Dailey (Dracut, Mass.) who each went 2-for-3 a top the batting order. Senior Mikayla Ramsdell (Salem, N.H.) went 1-for-4 with two RBI and sophomore Morgan Pratt (Pelham, N.H.) added a RBI base hit in the contest. Freshman Katerina St. Angelo (Johnston, R.I.) took advantage of her opportunity as she recorded a pinch-hit RBI single in the fourth and classate Hunter Greenleaf (Scarborough, Maine) finished the opener going 1-for-3.

The Raiders did all of their damage against Suffolk starter Constance Phelan who surrendered six runs (all earned) on eight hits over 3.1 inings of work. Jaclyn Flint then came in relief and held Rivier at bay with 3.2 innings of no-hit ball to earn the win.

Boehler finished the game with a 3-for-5, two double and two RBI effort to lead the Ram offense and Flint also chipped in with a three hit day (3-for-4, two RBI). Samanatha Jacques brought home a pair of runs with her 1-for-4 showing and Ashley Zulla added a RBI on her 1-for-3 performace.

Game Two: Suffolk University 4, Rivier University 3 (Final)

After allowing the Rams to score three times in the first inning, the Raiders eventually tied the contest with three of their own in the fifth inning before giving up the eventual game-winning run in the seventh as Suffolk squeeked out a 4-3 win in the nightcap.

Junior Taylor Roswell (Chelmsford, Mass.) was outstanding inside the circle for the Raiders as she pitched all seven innnigs allowing four runs (zero earned) on ten hits while striking out four.

Smith (1-for-3, run scored, stolen base) and Dailey (1-for-2, run scored) once again were the table setters as they comibined to go 2-for-5 with two runs scored and a stolen base. Rowsell added an RBI ground out for the lone Raider RBI in the contest and freshman Sarah McCluskey (Lowell, Mass.) went 1-for-2 with a run scored.

Kelly Keane went a perfect 4-for-4 with two RBI for Suffolk as they received a stellar outing from starter Hannah DelCervo, who went five innings inside the circle allowing three runs (all earned) on two hits while striking out four. Kennedy Reyes was credited with the win after she spun two innings in relief of two-hit ball.
…
Both squads will return to Great Northeast Athletic Conference action tomorrow afternoon. Rivier will travel to Emmanuel College in Boston for a 1pm first pitch while Suffolk hosts Anna Maria – also at 1pm.