Framingham defeats MCLA in MASCAC Softball tournament 2-0

Bridgewater, MA- The fifth seeded Framingham State Rams scored two first inning runs, while Alexandra Ferri made it stand up with a complete game effort in leading FSU past the second seeded MCLA Trailblazers 2-0 in a MASCAC Softball championship elimination game.  With the win, the Rams (20-19) move on and will await the loser of the Bridgewater State/Worcester State game.

MCLA is eliminated and finishes their season at 13-17.

The Rams wasted little time getting on the board off MCLA starter Rachel Quackenbush.  Tiffanie Marsh led off with a walk and advanced on Alyssa Begin's infield single.  After a strikeout, both runners would advance on a wild pitch.  Quackenbush got another strikeout, but with two outs Andrea Smith singled up the middle plating both runs and an early 2-0 lead.

MCLA tried to answer in the bottom of the first putting a pair of runners on but Ferri got Sam Barbarotta to strike out ending the threat.  The Trailblazers would threaten again in the third.  A pair of singles put two runners on with two outs and then Quackenbush would reach on an error to load the bases bringing Barbarotta to the plate.  She would hit it hard, but ultimately lined out to center field ending the rally.

Meanwhile, Quackenbush was cruising retiring 12 straight Rams until a two out fifth inning single.  She would get Marsh to fly out to end the inning though.  MCLA went quietly in the fifth and sixth innings before putting up a rally in their final at bat.

Trailblazer Jen Sicinski would reach on a dropped fly ball, however the Ram center fielder Danielle Beliveau made up for her miscue with a great diving catch of a Samantha Boyle liner for the first out.  Michaela Dinicola was up next and grounded to short, however it was mishandled by Marsh on an attempted force play putting the tying runs on.

Framingham would once rebound, as Helen Falzone made a diving snag of a bunt attempt for the second out bringing MCLA's Amanda Meczwyor to the dish.  She hit a liner to Shelby Phillips ending the game for the Rams.

Ferri was outstanding in collecting her 9th win of the season.  She allowed five hits and struck out five without a walk.  Begin would finish with a pair of hits for Framingham.

Quackenbush was the tough luck loser allowing the two first inning runs as she finishes the season at 9-10.  She struck out 12 Rams and walked one batter.  Abby Lucas had a pair of hits for the Trailblazers.