Softball stopped by Tufts, Shutout by MIT
Clermont, FL- The MCLA Softball team finished up their spring training with two losses, losing 9-6 against Tufts University and 8-0 against MIT. The Trailblazers are now 3-9 in their young season while Tufts stays undefeated at 12-0 and MIT starts their season 2-0.
Two errors in the first inning would help MCLA get off to a 2-0 lead, but Tufts would rally back with four runs off of starting pitcher Katelyn Henault. MCLA cut the lead in half in the third, but Tufts blew the game open with four runs in the bottom of the third to take an 8-3 lead. The Trailblazers workedn't quit though, scoring two runs in the fourth and one run in the fifth, putting MCLA within striking distance of the defending national champs at 8-6. Relief pitcher, Rachel Quackenbush kept Tufts on their toes until the bottom of the sixth, when the Beavers tacked on an insurance run and held on for a 9-6 victory.
In their nightcap, Rachel Quackenbush started against MIT and allowed two runs in three innings. She left with the score 2-0, as MCLA struggled at the plate. The Trailblazers couldn't muster a hit on the offensive side and when Amanda Meczywor relieved Quackenbush in the fourth, MIT took control of the game. Trailblazer errors helped the Beavers add six more runs to their lead. The game ended in just five innings because of mercy rule. Final score 8-0 MIT.
Quackenbush tallied up seven strikeouts for the day and making a total of sixry-four on the annual spring trip.
Michaela DiNicola went 2-3 at bat against Tufts and had two RBIs. Sierra Bailey also went 2-3 at the plate and with an RBI.
Weather and field conditions permitting the Trailblazers are back at it next Saturday at 1:00 and 3:00 pm at home as they face Salem State in their first conference game of the season.