BOX SCORE

When and Where: April 29, 2017 – Manchester, N.H. (SNHU Softball Field)
Score: Assumption College 9, Southern New Hampshire University 8
Records: SNHU 24-18 (10-12 Northeast-10), Assumption 18-16 (14-8 Northeast-10)

Sophomore Erin Garczynski (Norwood, Mass.) and freshman Erin Tyrell (Milford, N.H.) each had two hits and two RBI, but a five-run fourth inning propelled Assumption College to a 9-8 victory over Southern New Hampshire University in Northeast-10 Conference softball action on Saturday.

The Penmen scored three times in the bottom of the first before tacking on an additional run in the second to erase a two-run deficit and maintain a 4-2 advantage through three innings of play. The Greyhounds responded in the fourth, as a single, walk and an error loaded the bases for Caitlin Mirabell, who smacked a bases clearing double to put the visitors back in front. Assumption reloaded the bases two batters later before Julia Mazzeo singled into center to plate Mirabell and Ashley Abad to extend the Greyhounds' lead to 7-4.

The score remained unchanged until the home half of the sixth, when Southern New Hampshire was able to pull back within one. After junior Katie Horiuchi (Livingston, N.J.) laced a single into right that loaded the bases with two outs, Garczynski roped a two-run single into left that brought in Tyrell and junior Brittany Perdigao (Stoughton, Mass.) to make it a 7-6 game.

Assumption answered right back in the top of the seventh with two runs of its own to reestablish a three-run cushion, but SNHU continued to fight in the bottom of the frame. The Penmen loaded the bases without the benefit of a hit, as walks to seniors Jessica Torsiello (Morris Plains, N.J.) and Devan Rabidou (Ashland, Mass.) were followed by a mishandled ball off the bat of classmate Erin Morrissey (Commack, N.Y.). Tyrell stepped in next and hammered a 1-1 offering to straightaway centerfield, and missed out on a walk-off grand slam by less than a foot as ball hit the wall just below the yellow covering and instead went for a two-run double to again slice the deficit back to one. Perdigao reached on a perfectly placed bunt single to reload the bases, but the Greyhounds were able to induce pop ups on the next two hitters to escape with the win.

The visitors jumped out to an early lead with a two-run first inning. A Mirabell single combined with a walk and a hit by pitch loaded the bases for Nicole Duplease, and she smacked a two-run double to center to give Assumption the 2-0 edge.

Southern New Hampshire wasted little time in getting the runs back, as it plated three runs in the home half of the frame. Horiuchi worked a one-out walk before a single by Garczynski put two on with one away. A misplayed ball filled the bases for Torsiello, who wore a pitch off the ribs to push across the first Penmen run. Neverett followed with a sharp single down the line in right to drive in Garczynski before Rabidou shot a base hit through the right side to plate the third run of the frame. SNHU added a single run in the second, as Torsiello reached on an error that allowed Tyrell to score, which gave the hosts a 4-2 edge after two.

Mirabell finished 2-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored for the Greyhounds, while Abad scored twice and reached base three times on two hits and a walk. Kendal Roy earned the win in the circle for Assumption after going the distance and allowing eight runs, of which six were earned, nine hits, five walks and one strikeout.

Senior Nicole Gubellini (Salem, N.H.) worked the first 3.1 innings and surrendered four runs (three earned) on five hits with two walks and a strikeout. Junior Sarah Lavallee (Candia, N.H.) faced three batters in the fourth, and was tagged with the loss after giving up three runs (one earned) on two hits without registering an out. Freshman Maddy Barone (Halifax, Mass.) went the ensuing 2.2 innings and allowed two runs on five hits before classmate Gabriella Vachon (Newton, Mass.) entered in the seventh and retired the three batters she faced. 

Notes:
- After Saint Michael's College topped Bentley University, 5-4, Saturday, Southern New Hampshire must now win at least one game against the Falcons Sunday. The Penmen currently sit 10-8 within the confines of the NE10 Northeast Division, while the Purple Knights are in the clubhouse at 10-10. SMC owns the tiebreaker by virtue of taking 2-of-3 from SNHU during the regular season.
- Garczynski extended her hitting streak to 14 games, which dates back to April 13 at Saint Anselm College. Garczynski is hitting at a .523 clip (23-for-44) during the stretch with three home runs, 17 RBI, 11 runs scored and a pair of doubles. Seven of the 14 games have been multi-hit efforts.
- The Penmen were outhit, 12-9, on Saturday and are now 5-15 when their opponent collects more hits. SNHU is also 2-13 when trailing after four innings of play, and Saturday marked the first time Southern New Hampshire has fallen in a game when it scores six runs or more.
- SNHU honored its four graduating seniors prior to Saturday's contest. Southern New Hampshire recognized the achievements of Gubellini, Rabidou, Torsiello and Morrissey in a pregame ceremony that featured friends and family members.

What's Next:
The Penmen close out their regular season slate Sunday (April 30) with a twinbill at Bentley University slated to begin at noon.

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