Softball Swept in Doubleheader at UMass

by Chris Murphy

AMHERST, MASS.- The St. Bonaventure softball team (8-13, 5-7 Atlantic 10) dropped a 1-0 pitcher's duel in the opener and suffered a 7-1 loss in the nightcap of a doubleheader Sunday at the UM Softball Complex.

Behind a pair of spectacular outings on the mound by UMass pitcher Sara Plourde, the Minutewomen improved to 16-14 overall, 7-3 in conference play. Plourde tossed a no-hitter in which the Bonnies reached base safely only four times to open the series and worked a complete-game two-hitter with 15 strikeouts in the second game.

All of the action for St. Bonaventure occurred in the seventh inning of the first game. Jessenia Andujar laid down a one-out bunt and advanced to third base on an error, one of just two runner to advance past first base. Plourde buckled down and fanned the last two batters in the inning for the win.

St. Bonaventure junior Diana Phalon turned in one of her best pitching performances of the season on the mound, allowing four hits and the lone run over six innings of work.

After holding UMass in check through the first four innings of the second game, the Minutewomen scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth en route to the 7-1 victory.

Plourde worked another gem in the finale, striking out 15 batters over seven innings and allowing only two hits and one run.

Freshman Jen Sansano (4-5) allowing nine hits and six runs in the loss.

First baseman Maureen Wells went 1-for-3 on the day and picked up the lone RBI for St. Bonaventure.

With the loss, St. Bonaventure dropped to 8-13 overall including 5-7 in Atlantic 10 play.

The Brown and White will be back in action Tuesday when the travel to Buffalo for a doubleheader showdown with Little 3 rival Canisius. The first pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.