Bangor, ME – At Husson College today Lesley University defeated the University of Maine at Farmington 6-1 to claim the North Atlantic Conference Championship. The Lynx of Lesley extend their season and improve their record to 30-10. The Beavers of Farmington finish their season with a record of 24-9.

In the top of the first leadoff batter Lani Cabral-Pini (Jr. Wilmington, MA) reached base on a walk. However Farmington pitcher Sarah Defilipp (Jr. Brewer, ME) was able to settle down and retired three of the next four batters to get out of the inning. In the bottom of the inning Lesley pitcher Alicia Burnett (Jr. Gulf Breeze, FL) retired the Beavers in order, including one strikeout. In the second inning Defilipp sat down the Lynx in order, including two strikeouts. In the bottom of the second the Beavers had two singles and a walk but were unable to score as the score remained tied at 0-0 after two innings of play.

With one out in the top of the third Cabral-Pini singled and stole second to get into scoring position. Alyson Durben (Fy. Stow, MA) then lined a shot down the right field line for a triple, scoring Cabral-Pini to put the Lynx on top 1-0. Jodi Fralick (So. Woburn, MA) then stepped to the plate and singled to left field scoring Durben, giving Lesley a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the third Lauren Overlock (Jr. Belfast, ME) lead off the inning with a bunt single. Burnett then struck out the next batter and catcher Fralick made a great sliding catch near the fence to give the Beavers two outs. Beaver’s catcher McKell Barnes (Fy. Durham, ME) then hit Overlock in on a double that hit the fence cutting Lesley’s lead to one.

After a scoreless fourth inning the Beavers looked to tie the game up in the bottom of the fifth inning. With Overlock on second base with two outs Kasey McPhail (Fy. Benton, ME) hit a deep shot to right-center field, but centerfielder Gianna Spaziante (Jr. Hawthorne, NY) ranged over and made a great over the shoulder catch. In the top of the of the sixth inning Lesley extended their lead to 3-1 off a RBI double by Christina DiGiorgio (Jr. Lowell, MA). In the bottom of the sixth inning Burnett got the first two Beavers to pop up before she gave up a single that almost hit her to Katelyn Ross (Sr. Belfast, ME). Burnett then got the next batter to groundout to second base to end the inning.

In the top of the seventh inning Cabral-Pini started off the inning with a double to left-center field. Durben then reached base on an error which ended up scoring Cabral-Pini. Fralick then stepped to the plate and singled to left field. The Beavers then brought in pitcher Liz Bergeron (Jr. Milford, ME). Bergeron got her first batter to fly out to right field. Then Sarah Wilson (Jr. Lowell, MA) sent a liner right on the right field line all the way to the fence as she picked up a two RBI triple, making the score 6-1 in favor of the Lesley Lynx. The next two batters popped up and struck out, but the damage had already been done as Lesley extended their lead to five runs. In the bottom of the seventh with one out right fielder Durben made an amazing full extension diving catch to rob Defilipp of a hit. Kelly McDonough (Sr. Windham, ME) then ripped a double to left field, but Burnett would get the next batter to fly out to right field as Lesley won the NAC Championship by defeating Farmington 6-1.

Lesley was led by pitcher Burnett who pitched her fifth complete game in three days. Burnett went seven innings giving up one run on eight hits and two walks while striking out four. Fralick went 4-4 with one RBI and one run scored. Wilson added a triple, single and two RBI’s. Durben added an RBI triple. Cabral-Pini contributed a double and single for the victorious Lynx. Overlock and Breanna Conners (Sr. Madison, MA) led the Beavers of Farmington with two hits. Barnes added an RBI double for the Beavers.

All-Tournament Team

Alicia Burnett, Lesley (MVP)
Gianna Spaziante, Lesley
Jodi Fralick, Lesley
Lauren Overlock, UMF
Sarah DeFilipp, UMF
McKell Barnes, UMF
Brittany Morin, Thomas
Nicole Smith, Thomas
Jenika Kelley, Husson
Tammie Arsenault, Husson

Game 6: Lesley 5, UMF 2

In the second game Lesley University avoided elimination by defeating number four ranked University of Maine at Farmington, 5-2 in the Championship round of the NAC Tournament. Lesley will face Farmington again tomorrow at noon for the NAC Title.

Farmington struck first scoring a run in the bottom of the first to take a 1-0 lead. After a scoreless second inning Lesley College scored two runs in the top of the third, taking a 2-1 lead. In the top of the fifth Lesley built on their lead scoring three more runs, highlighted by a two-run homerun from Georgia Saltzman (So. Lynn, MA). In the bottom of the inning Farmington would score one run to cut the lead to 5-2, however Lesley would shutout the Beavers the last two innings as they went on to win 5-2, forcing a final game for the NAC Title.

Lesley was led by Saltzman who singled, homered and had two RBI’s. Fralick added two singles, a double, two runs and one RBI for Lesley. Burnett picked up her second win of the day, throwing seven innings giving up two runs on five hits and four walks while striking out three. Farmington was led by Kasey McPhail (Fy. Benton, ME) who had both of the Farmington’s RBI’s.

Game 5: Lesley 10, Husson 4

Bangor, ME – In the first game of the second day of the NAC Tournament, number two Lesley University beat Husson College 10-4, knocking the Eagles out of the tournament. The Eagles finished their season with a record of 30-12. With the win Lesley improves to 28-10.
Lesley University jumped out to a quick 3-0 after one inning of play. The Eagles started to chip back as they scored one run in the bottom of the second and third to make the game 3-2. However, Lesley would respond by erupting for five runs in the top of the fourth, highlighted by a three-run homerun from Alyson Durben (Fy. Stow, MA). Husson went on to score one run in the fourth and one run in the fifth to make the score 8-4 in favor of Lesley. In the sixth and seventh inning Lesley added two runs as they advance to the NAC Championship round, beating Husson College 10-4.

Lesley was led by Gianna Spaziante (Jr. Hawthorne, NY) who had three hits, two RBI’s and two runs scored. Jodi Fralick (So. Woburn, MA) added three hits, scored twice and had one stolen base. Alicia Burnett picked up the win pitching seven innings giving up four runs on 13 hits and two walks. Husson was led by Cassie Berry (So. Newcastle, ME) who had two singles and a double. Jenika Kelley (So. Jay, ME) added a double, single and RBI for the Eagles.

Game 4: UMF 3, Lesley 2

In the fourth and final game of the day number four ranked University of Maine at Farmington defeated number two ranked Lesley University to advance to the championship round. UMF jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead after one inning of play. Lesley battled back, scoring a run in the top of the fourth and fifth inning to tie the game at 2-2. In the bottom of the fifth inning the Beavers scored what proved to be the winning run. With the bases loaded and no outs Kelley McDonough (Sr. Windham, ME) singled home Jessica Timmreck (Fy. Brunswick, ME). Lesley would get out of the bases loaded jam but the damage had been done as UMF won 3-2.

McKell Barnes (Fy. Durham, ME) led the Beavers with a two-run homerun in the bottom of the first inning. Katelyn Ross (Sr. Belfast, ME) added a double for the Beavers. Sarah Defilipp (Jr. Brewer, ME) picked up her second win of the day, pitching seven innings giving up two runs on eight hits, while striking out nine. Lesley was led by Alyson Durben (Fy. Stow, MA) who had an RBI double. Jodi Fralick (So. Woburn, MA) added a double and Sarah Wilson (Jr. Lowell, MA) added two singles.

Game 3: Husson 3, Thomas 2

The third game was an elimination game between Thomas College and Husson College. Thomas College jumped out to a quick lead but the Eagles rallied late to defeat the Terriers 3-2, advancing to tomorrow’s NAC Tournament games. In the first inning the Jen Higgins (Jr. Old Town, ME) singled, stole second and then scored on a RBI single by Brittany Morin (Jr. Monmouth, ME). In the top of the second the Eagles tied the game at 1-1 on a RBI single by Megan Richards (Fy. Wilton, ME) scoring Shawna Bell (Sr. Corinth, ME). In the bottom of the second inning the Terriers retook the lead on an RBI single by Higgins scoring Sierra. After three scoreless innings the Eagles tied the game 2-2 in the top of the sixth inning. Carolyn McAvoy (Sr. Brewer, ME) started off the inning with a double and with two outs Jenika Kelley (So. Jay, ME) hit McAvoy home with a double of her own. In the top of the seventh with two outs Brittni Adams (So. Bucksport, ME) reached base on an infield error. Cassie Berry (So. Newcastle, ME) then hit a single; on the play Adams scored on a Thomas throwing error. In the bottom of the inning the Terriers put pressure on the Eagles getting the bases loaded with one out, however the Eagles were able to get out of the jam defeating the Terriers 3-2.

Game 2: Lesley 6, Thomas 5

In the second game, number three ranked Thomas College rallied late in the game but came up short to number two ranked Lesley University as Lesley won 6-5. Thomas struck first scoring two runs in the top of the first inning to take a 2-0 lead. Lesley chipped away at Thomas’ lead scoring one run in the first and one run in the third to tie the game at 2-2 after three innings of play. In the bottom of the fifth inning Lesley rallied to score three runs, taking a 5-2 lead. After a scoreless sixth inning the Terriers of Thomas rallied to score three runs in the top of the seventh inning, tieing the game. In the bottom of the seventh with no outs and the bases load Georgia Saltzman (So. Lynn, MA) scored from third on an infield error as Lesley University picked up the win 6-5.

Lesley was led by Jodi Fralick (So. Woburn, MA) who went 4-4 with two RBI’s and one run scored. Saltzman added a double, single and two RBI’s. Alyson Durben (Fy. Stow, MA) had a triple and single for Lesley. Alicia Burnett picked up the win pitching seven innings giving up 12 hits and five runs while striking out nine. Thomas was led by Kristy Clements (Jr. Monroe, ME) who doubled twice and had one RBI and two runs scored. Lindsay Sierra (Sr. Turner, ME) added two singles, one RBI and scored once.

Game 1: UMF 3, Husson 2

In the first game of the day University of Maine at Farmington upset the host Husson College in the one-four matchup. In the first inning the Beavers of Farmington took a one run lead, taking advantage of Husson’s mistakes as Sarah Defilipp (Jr. Brewer, ME) scored on an error. In the bottom of the second inning the Eagles tied up the game scoring an unearned run of their own as Jenny Rollins (Jr. Corinth, ME) singled home Carolyn McAvoy(Sr. Brewer, ME). In the top of the third, catcher McKell Barnes (Fy. Durham, ME) scored on a throwing error as the Beavers took a 2-1 lead. The Eagles responded by scoring Shannon Pietras (Jr. Lincoln, ME) on an RBI sacrifice from Brittni Adams (So. Bucksport, ME). In the top of the sixth with the game still tied at 2-2 Kasey McPhail (Fy. Benton, ME) reached first on a base-hit bunt. McPhail then stole second to get into scoring position. With two outs Katelyn Ross (Sr. Belfast, ME) singled home McPhail, giving UMF a 3-2 lead. In the bottom of the seventh Husson started off the inning with back to back singles by Rollins and Jenika Kelley (So. Jay, ME). However, Beavers’ pitcher Defilipp was able to retire the next three Eagle batters as UMF defeated Husson 3-2.

Farmington was led by Ross who had two singles and one RBI. Megan Goodrow (Sr. Oakland, ME) added two singles for the Beavers. Defilipp picked up the win pitching seven innings giving up two runs, one earned run on eight hits, one walk and struck out four. The Eagles were led by Rollins and Kelley who had two singles a piece. Adams had the only RBI for Husson. Tammie Arsenault (Fy. Gorham, ME) was charged with the loss as she pitched seven innings giving up three runs, one earned run on seven hits and one walk, while striking out two.

April 30, 2008

Top Seeds Advance in NAC Softball Championship

All four top seeds advanced in quarterfinal action Wednesday. Top seed Husson defeated Maine Maritime 8-0 and will host the NAC Championship which begins Friday, May 2. The Eagles will meet Maine-Farmington, 5-2 winners over defending champion Elms. Lesley downed Bay Path 7-3 to advance while Thomas put away Castleton 12-4.

Husson will host the tournament with contests beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 2. Game times are subject to change. The NAC Champion receives an automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Championship.

Husson Defeats Maine Maritime in NAC Quarterfinal

Bangor, ME – Husson College defeated Maine Maritime Academy 8-0 in five innings in a North Atlantic Conference Quarterfinal matchup. With the win Husson improves their record to 29-10. MMA finishes their season 8-18. Husson will now host the NAC tournament this Friday and Saturday.

Carolyn McAvoy (Sr. Brewer, ME) led Husson with a double and a solo homerun. Dorothy Cameron (Fy. South Plainfield, NJ) added a three run homerun and Jenika Kelley (So. Jay, ME) had a solo homerun. Jenny Rollins (Jr. Corinth, ME) added two singles for the Eagles. Tammie Arsenault (Fy. Gorham, ME) picked up the win pitching five innings without giving up a run on seven hits, one walk, while striking out four. Nicole Poland (So. Darmariscotta, ME) and Danielle Richard (Fy. Milford, ME) led the Mariners with two singles a piece.
In the first inning the Eagles jumped out to a 1-0 lead on an RBI double from McAvoy scoring

Cassie Berry(So. Newcastle, ME). In the second inning Kelley hit a solo homerun and in the third McAvoy hit a solo homerun to put the Eagles ahead 3-0. In the bottom of the fourth the Eagles scored five runs, highlighted by a three run homerun by Cameron. MMA started off the top of the fifth inning with back to back singles, however Berry would catch a liner and take the runner for an unassisted double play. Arsenault was able to get the last batter to pop up as the Eagles advance to the NAC tournament.

Lesley Advances in NAC Quarterfinal

 CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – In a North Atlantic Conference Quarterfinal match up between Lesley University and Bay Path College, the Lynx overcame early struggles to defeat the Wildcats 12-4 in six innings. The victory helped Lesley advance to the NAC Championships to be played starting this Friday, May 2.

Lynx third baseman Sarah Wilson (Lowell, Mass.) went 4-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBI to lead the offense. Jodi Fralick (Woburn, Mass.) also had an impressive game at the plate as she finished with three hits, two runs scored, and two RBI.

For the Wildcats, Sarah Wright (Canterbury, N.H.) knocked in two of her team-high three RBI with a single to right field in the top of the third inning. Sophomore Sarah Gates (No. Granby, Conn.), Bay Path’s offensive leader in several categories, reached base twice from an error and scored twice.

Bay Path took an early 2-0 in the top of the first inning but Lesley came back strong in the bottom half of the inning. With two runners on, Georgia Saltzman (Lynn, Mass.) roped a single to right field that got by Bay Path’s defender. Saltzman raced around the bases to give the Lynx a 3-2 lead. One more run in the inning put Lesley up 4-2 after one frame.

Two innings later, the Wildcats would tie the score with Wright’s two-RBI single.

With two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning, the Lynx would score four runs off RBI singles from Fralick, Wilson, and Gianna Spaziante (Hawthorne, N.Y.) to take the 8-4 lead.

Alicia Burnett (Gulf Breeze, Fla.) would settle down to get the win for the Lynx as she pitched 6.0 innings while striking out six batters and giving up four runs, one of which was earned.

Lesley improves their overall record to 26-9 while Bay Path finishes their 2008 season at 19-16.

To learn more about the Lesley University softball team, please visit their website.

UMF Eliminates Defending Champion Elms 5-2 in NAC Quarterfinals

FARMINGTON, Maine -- The University of Maine at Farmington softball team advanced in North Atlantic Conference Tournament today as the Beavers grabbed a 5-2 quarterfinal win over Elms College at Prescott Field.

The Beavers (22-7) will play Friday at a time and place to be determined after today's quarterfinal action. The double-elimination championship round is held at the highest remaining seed. The Blazers finished their season at 19-15.

With the win, Farmington matched the school record for highest season win total at 22. The Beavers also won 22 games in 1999.

Sarah Defilipp (Brewer, ME) scattered seven hits in a complete-game win. Defilipp struck out six and did not walk a batter.

Lauren Overlock (Belfast, ME) singled twice, doubled, scored two runs and drove in another to lead the Beavers. Megan Goodrow (Oakland, ME) recorded a pair of sacrifice flies for two RBI and Kasey McPhail (Benton, ME) slugged a single and a double with an RBI in the win.

Tammie Tremblay (Springfield, MA) was hit with the loss for the Blazers with nine hits allowed, three walks and a strikeout.

Christina Giampetruzzi (Westfield, MA) clubbed a solo home run for Elms, while Karyn Palomba (Enfield, CT) and Kim Lastowski (Turners Falls, MA) each doubled. The Blazers did not have a repeat hitter.

After Elms built a 1-0 lead when Palomba scored when a single by Tiffany Williams (Berlin, CT) was bobbled in the Beaver outfield, Farmington responded with two runs in its half of the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Goodrow and an RBI double by Kelly McDonough (Windham, ME).

The Beavers tacked on a run on another sacrifice by Goodrow in the third, but the Blazers trimmed the deficit to 3-2 on Giampetruzzi's blast to lead off the fourth. Lastowski followed with a double, but Defilipp fought out of the jam.

Farmington came back with an RBI single by Overlock in the fourth and an RBI double by McPhail in the fifth to pad the lead to 5-2 and seal the win.

April 27, 2008

NAC Softball Championship Quarterfinal Action Begins Today

After completing conference play, Husson, Lesley and Thomas all finished at 17-3. Based on predetermined tiebreaking procedures, Husson was awarded the top seed in the NAC Softball Championship. The Eagles (17-3 NAC, 26-10) will host eight seeded Maine Maritime (5-15 NAC, 8-17) when quarterfinal action begins Wednesday, April 30. The top eight teams qualify for the NAC Championship.

Quarterfinal action was orginally schedule for Tuesday but all four contests were postponed due to weather concerns.

Lesley (17-3 NAC, 25-9 overall) will enter the championship as the second seed and host Bay Path (9-11 NAC, 19-15 overall). Sixth seed Castleton (10-10 NAC, 12-22 overall) will travel to third seed Thomas (17-3 NAC, 20-11 overall). Two-time defending champion Elms (12-8 NAC, 19-14 overall) will be the fifth seed and meet Maine-Farmington (15-5 NAC, 21-7 overall).

The top eight teams qualify for the NAC Championship. Predetermined tiebreaking procedures were used to seed teams. The highest remaining seed will host the tournament with contests beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 2. Game times are subject to change. The NAC Champion receives an automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Championship.