Softball swept in MASCAC opener at Salem

Salem, Mass. -- The Vikings of Salem State were able to pick up two wins in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference double-header action against the Trailblazers of MCLA Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field. Rebecca Krigman (Malden, MA) led the Vikings to a 4-3 win in game one, going 3-for-3 including a double and two RBI's. Lauren DiCredico (Tewksbury, MA) cruised through the MCLA line-up in game two, as she let up just two hits in five innings pitched and Bobbie Dee Regan (Lynn, MA) added a home run to push Salem State past the Trailblazers 7-1.

Game 1

Cara Crowley (Lynn, MA) put the Vikings on the board in the first with a single, that led to a stolen base and a run as Regan brought Crowley home on a fielder's choice. The Trailblazers answered immediately, scoring two runs in the top of the second on a Darien Sullivan (Canjoharies, NY) single that brought in Tanelle Ciempa (Adams, MA) and Jennifer Sicinski (Shelton, VT) for a 2-1 lead.

Salem State responded quickly, scoring two runs in the bottom of the second. Krigman led off the inning with a triple that set up DiCredico for the game-tying RBI with a single. Jess Raymond (Peabody, MA) helped the Vikings regain the lead with an RBI hit that brought DiCredico across the plate.

Salem State was able to add onto their lead in the third, with an RBI double from DiCredico that brought in Krigman, who had also doubled earlier in the inning.

Sarah Hastings (Marblehead, MA) started the game, but was taken out after the third as Francesca Perreault (Everett, MA) finished the game. Hastings allowed two runs on five hits with two walks. Perreault cruised through the batting order until the sixth, when MCLA was able to come within a run on a fielder's choice that allowed Shelbi Bailey (Hossick Falls, NY) to reach first and Samantha Barbarotta (Pittsfield, MA) to score. However, Alexandra Romano (Peabody, MA) popped up to end the threat.

Perreault (3-4) earned the win, going four innings, and allowing a run on two hits with two strikeouts. Rachel Quackenbush (Hoosick Falls, NY) took the loss for the Trailblazers, going six innings and allowing four runs on 11 hits with nine strikeouts.

Game 2

In game two, Dicredico went five innings and allowed just two singles and one earned run to improve to 3-5 on the year. The Vikings jumped on top early as Crowley led off with a double and scored on an error. Salem State increased their lead to 4-0 in the third. Raymond belted a two-run single, and was later followed by an RBI single by Krigman.

DiCredico made quick work of the Trailblazers offense, as she did not allow a hit until the fourth inning. MCLA finally broke through in the fifth when Shelbi Clary (Pittsfield, MA) led off with a walk, and Samantha Boyle (Pittsfield, MA) followed with a single. A walk to Sullivan loaded the bases, but DiCrdico escaped a possible big inning, as she allowed only an unearned run on an error.

Amanda Meczywor (Adams, MA) replaced Quackenbush in the fourth after the starter went three innings and allowed four runs on five hits with six strikeouts.

Leading 5-0, in the fifth, Regan hit her second home run of the year to increase the Vikings lead to 6-1. Perreault shutout the Trailblazers in her two innings of work as she retired all six batter she faced, including striking out the side in the seventh as Salem State earned the 7-1 victory.

Salem State hosts Endicott this Tuesday for a 3:00 PM start. MCLA will make up a double header with Worcester State tomorrow at 1pm.