Newton, MA - The Lasell University softball team swept the Albertus Magnus Falcons in their annual white ribbon doubleheader on Saturday afternoon, 5-1 and 4-3. The white ribbon game is held to raise awareness and prevent domestic violence against women. The wins move the Lasers up to 22-15 overall and 13-3 in conference while the Falcons drop to 19-18 overall and 11-5 in the GNAC.
Game 1
Albertus got on the board in the top of the first inning when back-to-back walks to start the game put runners on first and third, and a sacrifice fly from Hailey Laforte scored the game's first run.
Later, in the bottom of the third, Lasell would have the bases loaded with two out in the inning and a walk would bring in a run and tie the game up at one. Shyanne Raccio would then double to left field scoring two Lasers and giving them a 3-1 lead.
In the fourth inning the Lasers added another run as Emily Mestas grounded a ball to the second baseman and an error would allow Ally Kirck to score from second base. Lasell tacked on their last run in the sixth when they had a runner on third and Brianna Gendreau singled to left field, making it a 5-1 ballgame.
Eryn Sheeley, the starter for the Lasers, retired the side in order in the seventh to secure the win. Sheeley (10-5) earned the win on the mound, her tenth of the season, tossing all seven innings, allowing one run on one hit while walking four and striking out five.
Offensively for Lasell, Raccio doubled and drove in two runs, Gendreau singled twice and drove in a run and Sheeley also singled and drove in a run. Mestas, Mackenzie Still, and Alyssa Bland all singled as well.
Game 2
Albertus would get out to an early lead again in game two as it would be Laforte again bringing in the first run on a ground ball to the second baseman. An error and a single in the second inning would give the Falcons runners on first and third with two outs when Paige Scheid singled in a run and another run would score on the throw making it a 3-0 Falcon lead.
The Lasers struck back in the fifth inning as they would load the bases for Gendreau who smacked a double to right field, clearing the bases and tying the game at three apiece. Both sides would be held scoreless in the sixth inning and starting pitcher Abby Fortin was able to leave a base runner stranded in the seventh to give the Lasers a shot to win it in the bottom half.
A walk and back-to-back singles from Gendreau and Mestas loaded the bases for Lasell in the bottom of the seventh. Junior Mackenzie Still then singled to right field, scoring Kirck from third and winning the game for Lasell.
Fortin (10-5) tossed all seven innings for the Lasers, allowing three runs on six hits while walking two and striking out one.
Offensively for Lasell, Gendreau led the way, doubling, singling and driving in three runs. Raccio also added a double and single and Mestas singled twice. Still singled and drove in a run and Sheeley also singled.
Up Next: The Lasers are back at home tomorrow as they host Mitchell College in their Senior Day game at Taylor Field! First pitch of game one will be at 12:00 PM!
By: Camdyn Ames