Newton, MA – The Lasell University softball team defeated the Albertus Magnus Falcons 3-2 in the first game of the GNAC tournament. The Lasers advance to the winner's bracket of pod B, while the Falcons will play in the loser's bracket.

Albertus put the pressure on the hosting Lasers early on in this opening round matchup. The Falcons had runners on second and third with two outs in the first inning and a passed ball allowed a run to score. The Lasers were able to get out of it as a line out to shortstop Brianna Gendreau ended the inning.

Shyanne Raccio got the offense started for the Lasers as she singled through the right side with one out in the bottom of the second. An error gave the Lasers runners on first and second for Ally Kirck who would double to left center, scoring both runners, and giving the Lasers the lead. Gendreau followed her with a single, scoring Kirck and making it a 3-1 ballgame.

Lasell starting pitcher Eryn Sheeley found her stride after allowing a run in the first inning as she allowed just one hit until the sixth inning. In that sixth inning, a single from Hailey LaForte started the inning and after stealing second and advancing to third on a passed ball, Albertus had a runner on third with just one out in the inning. A sacrifice fly from Isabelle Smith scored the run and brought them within one.

After going down in order in the bottom of the sixth, the Lasers held the Falcons scoreless in the bottom of the seventh as Sheeley forced back-to-back fly outs to end the game.

Sheeley (10-6) tossed all seven innings for the Lasers, allowing just two runs (one earned) on three hits while walking two and striking out six.

Offensively for the Lasers, Kirck doubled and drove in two runs, Gendreau singled and brought in a run and Raccio and Mackenzie Still each singled.

Up Next: The Lasers move on in the winner's bracket of Pod B and will host the winner of Emmanuel and Simmons on Saturday, May 4th at 1:30 PM!