MCLA splits with Salem; Earns spot in MASCAC tourney
At eighty degrees, the Joseph Zavattaro Athletics Complex was
the hot setting for the Trailblazers’ (10-20) home finale as
they hosted the Salem State Vikings (18-14) on MCLA Fan Day to
determine a final spot in the MASCAC Tourney. Before the game,
Trailblazers coach Kristen Parzych started with recognition for her
senior players Rachel Desautels (Readsboro, VT), Steph Hendricks
(Warrensburg NY), and Amey Blackburn (Seekonk, MA) with flowers and
photographs as well as commentary on their achievements on and off
the field.
Freshman Hadley Ameen (North Adams, MA) got the start for the
Trailblazers in game 1 and much like
the midday sun, lit up the Vikings every time they stepped on the
field. Opposing pitcher Katelyn Doherty (Lynnfield, MA) showed
early control problems, walking two in the first inning and
eventually allowing the game’s first three runs which would
be all the Trailblazers needed. Blackburn scored an RBI as well as
a run in the inning and Kayla Koumjian (Watervilet, NY) scored the
other two RBIs on a single scoring Blackburn and Ameen.
From that point on, neither side made much noise as Ameen continued
to dominate the Vikings, going the full seven innings allowing only
six hits and striking out five.
Light, pleasant winds began to blow as game 2 saw Ameen
starting once more and the Vikings started Katelynn Fanning (East
Boston, MA), another freshman. Fanning seemed determined to match
Ameen from the first game as she was just as flawless. Fanning gave
up only three hits and struck out six despite walking three through
seven innings, keeping the Trailblazers bats quiet as Ameen was
dealt the loss after giving up one run (unearned) in four
innings.
The Trailblazers erupted in cheers and smiles as they heard the
news of Bridgewater sweeping Worcester State College, earning the
Trailblazers the fourth spot in the conference. The field was in
high spirits as dozens of students who showed up for Fan Day to
support their Trailblazers partook in a birthday celebration for
Desautels after the game as well as in celebration of the
Trailblazers’ playoff berth.
The Trailblazers will travel to #1 ranked Westfield State for a
single game on Thursday at 4:00 PM. They are returning to the
MASCAC Tournament after a six year absence.
Seniors: Amey Blackburn, Steph Hendricks, Rachel Desautel