No. 15 UMass Defeats Softball

Friday, February 20

Cathedral City, Calif.

1:00 PM

NC State

2-4

Massachusetts

5-1

Massachusetts

NC State

2/20/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball

Box Score

CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIF. No. 15 UMass pounded out 10 hits and took advantage of crucial defensive lapses in topping NC State, 14-0, at the Cathedral City Classic on Friday, Feb. 20.

10 of UMass’ runs were unearned.

Morgan Peeler (0-1) took the loss in her first career appearance, allowing three earned runs in 2.1 frames of work. Mendy McKenzie pitched 3.2 innings in relief, allowing just one earned run. Brandice Balschmiter (4-0) tossed the win for UMass, limiting State to three hits.

UMass got two runs in the first, both scoring on walks with the bases loaded. A third run was added in the top of the third when Sarah Reeves homered to left field.

The Pack loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth but couldn’t eek out a run. Alyssa Allbritten and Bridget Desbois got things started with back-to-back singles before Claudia Cooper reached on a fielder’s choice. But Kristine Bechtholdt fouled out, Allison Presnell got caught looking, and Bethaney Wells grounded out to third ending any chance of a State rally.

Four more UMass runs were tacked on in the top of the fifth. Whitney Mollica scored from third on a wild pitch, and three unearned runs crossed the plate when Kyllie Magill mashed a triple into left.

A nightmarish seventh inning allowed seven more runs, all unearned, to touch home and end the game early. Michelle Libby and Meghan Carta each tacked two-run doubles, while Magill and Carly Normandin supplied RBI base hits. Whitney Williams delivered the final blow, bringing Normandin around on a double down the line in left.

The loss sends the Pack to 2-4 on the young season, while UMass climbs to 5-1.

NC State will take on No. 9 Cal at 4 p.m. EST.