March 27, 2008
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Endicott College softball team split a doubleheader against Western New England College on Thursday in Springfield, Mass.
Sophomore right-fielder Christina Farese (Marlborough, MA) capped a 4-4 performance at the plate with a two-run walk-off homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to give the Western New England College softball team a dramatic 8-7 victory over visiting Endicott College in the first game of doubleheader.
The Gulls, ranked second in the weekly New England Division III coaches poll, earned a split by taking an 8-0 decision in the nightcap in a game called after five innings because of the mercy rule.
Farese entered the game with only one-hit in 11 at-bats, but belted two doubles and had five RBI.
Endicott scored three unearned runs to go ahead 6-5 in the seventh before the Golden Bears tied the contest in the bottom of the inning.
Senior catcher Allison Glassick (Newport, CT), senior third base player Meredith Pacelli (Hamden, CT), and junior centerfielder Brenna Fitzgerald (Manchester, NH) each had two hits and a run scored for the Golden Bears. Senior designated player Steph Ganser (Fairfield, CT) slugged her first homer of the season.
Junior pitcher Laura Bower (Hudson, MA) went the distance to even her record at 3-3.
Senior designated player Rachel Pearson (Gales Ferry, CT) had two hits while junior catcher Meghan Sargent (Salisbury, MA) also ripped her first round tripper of the spring.
In the second game, sophomore pitcher Maria Mangine (Lockport, NY) tossed a two-hitter to keep her record perfect at 4-0 with 4 complete games. She also went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI. Pearson added another 2-for-3 effort with a double and three RBI.
With the split Western New England College stays at .500 with a 6-6 record, while Endicott moves to 9-2. WNEC returns to action Friday facing Westfield State College at home. The Gulls will be back on the diamond Saturday when they take on New England College in a doubleheader. Game times are scheduled for 12 and 2 p.m.
