WATERVILLE, MAINE — UMPI softball took on Thomas College in their first North Atlantic Conference match up of the year. Earning a 2-0 start on the season, in NAC play, as they swept the Terriers.
Game 1 (5-4 Owls)
How it happened:
To begin the day of play, the Owls started off early with a two-run second inning off a double by senior Zoe Aylward-Frank and a single by Megan Buchholz, each scoring a run. The Terriers answered back with a two-run inning in the bottom of the second. The same story in the third as the bats stayed hot, each team scoring two more runs each. It was the sixth inning where the Owls put the game winning run on the board. A deep homer in center field by Rachel Billings gave the Owls the edge and eventually the win.
At the Plate:
To go along with Billings homer, the Owls finished the game with six total hits, scoring their five runs. Leaving just three runners on base in their efficient hitting.
On the Mound:
Megan Buchholz not only earned an RBI, also earned the Owls first win of the year on the mound, pitching the complete game. In the seven innings, allowing four earned runs and eight hits. Buchholz finished striking out three batters and forcing nine fly-outs and nine ground-outs.
Game 2 (6-3 Owls)
How it happened:
The Owls started the second game from behind as the Terriers came out of the gate with a two-run first. A two-RBI double by Dalaney Anfinson tied the game in the third, although the Owls were not done as Rachel Billings scored two more runs off a single. The Terriers threatened a comeback in the sixth, scoring off an error to bring them within one. In the end it was UMPI scoring another two runs in the seventh to put the game away and complete the sweep.
At the Plate:
A big game at the plate for the Owls, finishing the game with 14 hits, a season high. Zoe Stwart led the way as she went a perfect four for four which Kristen Harding finished with three hits. Anfinson and Zoe Aylward-Frank each rallied off two hits each as well.
On the mound:
Hailey Saylor eared her first win of the year on the mound, throwing the complete game. Saylor allwed just four hits and two earned runs while striking out two batters. The defense had her back as she forced 13 fly-out and six ground-outs.
