LONGMEADOW, MA
The UMPI Softball team finally got back to action on Sunday afternoon after a long bout of postponements and cancellations due to the unforgiving Northeast spring. They faced off with USCAA opponent Bay Path University. The Owls couldn't quite shake off the rust in the twin bill, dropping both ends.
Game 1: (11-2 Wildcats)
How it Happened:
The Owls had to play from behind from the get-go as the Wildcats put up a four-spot in the bottom of the 1st after UMPI went in order in their first time up. The Owls answered back in the next half, when Sabrina Kauffman gave UMPI their first home run of the season, and the first of her career as well. It stayed that way until that one nightmare inning bit the Owls again. Bay Path scored seven runs in the bottom of the third to go up 11-1. Zoe Stewart stayed swinging a hot bat from her success at Myrtle Beach, and gave UMPI their second solo homer of the game. This was too little too late however, and UMPI couldn't rally making the game a shortened five-inning affair.
At the Plate:
It was Zoe Stewart and Sabrina Kauffman who were the standouts at the plate with their home runs. Megan Bucholz and Abby Doughty had the other two hits for the Owls.
In the Circle:
Gracelyn Walsh got the start for UMPI after being their most consistent hurler on their spring trip. She throw all four innings for the Owls giving up 11 runs on 11 hits, but struck out three batters along the way.
Game 2: (8-0 Wildcats)
How it Happened:
It was the early innings again that reared their ugly head, as Bay Path put up four in the 1st inning, and two more in the 2nd, really applying the pressure on UMPI to avoid a run-rule. It was tough sledding for the Owls offensively, and Bay Path put up one more in both of the next two innings while preserving the shutout, making it another shortened game and an 8-0 victory for the Wildcats.
At the Plate:
The Owls had one hit as a team in game two, courtesy of Gracelyn Walsh to lead off the 2nd inning.
In the Circle:
Megan Bucholz got the ball for the nightcap, and threw all four innings for UMPI. She allowed eight runs on 11 hits, and struck out a pair of Wildcats.
Next Up:
The Owls will get right back to action tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. when they face Lesley University for their first conference doubleheader of the season. The games will be played in Revere, Massachusetts.
