CHARLESTON, S.C. – The North Dakota Softball team was back in action Saturday morning as they took on Massachusetts in the early game and then a rematch with Providence after falling in their matchup yesterday. It was a close first game between the Fighting Hawks and the Minutewomen, but ultimately Massachusetts prevailed 5-3. In game two, the Friars downed UND for the second day in a row, 6-2.
In game one, Julianne Bolton (1-3) picked up the win while Camryn Lasota (0-3) took the loss. In game two, Tori Grifone (1-2) picked up the win in game two while Makaela Carr (0-1) took the loss.
Game One
The Fighting Hawks took an early lead as Madison Pederson reached on a throwing error and Katie Joten was able to score from second. Lasota had a 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the first, and then got out of a jam with two on in the second, but UMass would score five straight runs, one in the third and four in the fifth.
In the top of the sixth, Madi Moore sparked the lineup with a pinch hit single and then scored on a double from Cassie Castaneda. Later Baylee Howley singled to center which brought Castaneda in to score but Howley was thrown out at second to end the inning.
Game Two
UND got out to an early lead with a two run first inning. With two outs and runners on first and second, Castaneda drove a double to centerfield and it brought Moore and Joten in to score make it 2-0. From there, Providence scored six unanswered runs to close the game.
The third inning proved to be a crucial turning point with Providence leading 3-2, Carr had a 1-2-3 top of the third, and in the bottom of the frame Joten was on third but unable to be brought in to tie it up. UND got a runner into scoring position at second in the sixth inning, but once again was unable to bring Moore home.
Key Points
· Both Lasota and Carr pitched complete games
· Castaneda racked up four hits on the day with three RBIs
· Moore had two hits and scored two runs
· Joten, Howley and Kaycee Hayes all stole a base.
Scoring Summary
Game One
T1 | Pederson reached on error, Joten scored (1-0)
B3 | Keagy RBI single (1-2)
B5 | Cadden RBI triple (1-3)
B5 | Packard RBI triple (1-4)
B5 | Packard RBI triple (1-5)
T6 | Castaneda RBI double (2-5)
T6 | Howley RBI single (3-5)
Game Two
B1 | Castaneda RBI double (2-0)
T2 | Magrino RBI double (2-2)
T2 | Douma RBI single (2-3)
T4 | Douma RBI double (2-5)
T7 | Wren stole home (2-6)
The Hawks have one more game in the tournament this weekend, another bright and early start against UMass at 9 AM CT tomorrow.
