Milton, Mass. – The Curry College softball team suffered a sweep to visiting Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) rival University of New England 10-1 (5 inn) and 2-1 Saturday afternoon in Milton. The Colonels drop to 13-21 on the season and 4-12 in the conference while the Nor'Easters improve to 23-11 overall and 12-4 in the CCC.

Game One

The Colonels couldn't get much going offensively in game one, scattering four hits throughout the game. Sophomore Jessica Saluti (Braintree, Mass.) went 2-2 in the game, while both Senior Amy Nolan (Norfolk, Mass.) and Sophomore Kevi Oatway (East Hartford, Conn.) each garnered one hit. The Colonels lone run came across in the bottom half of the fourth inning. Saluti singled and was pinch ran for by Freshman Talia Forte (North Scituate, R.I.). Later in the inning, Forte was on third when Sophomore Carolyn Lynch (Ipswich, Mass.) hit a sacrifice fly to center, allowing Forte to tag and score.

The Nor'Easters big inning happened just prior to the Colonels getting on the board. In the top half of the fourth frame, already with a three run lead, UNE added seven more to make it a 10-0 lead. Sydney Helmbrecht (Grand Rapids, Mich.) came across to score on a single by Anna Sessa (Tewksbury, Mass.). Avery Alberghini (Middlesex, Vt.) would cross the plate on a wild pitch. Amanda Vallante (Dracut, Mass.) singled which drove in Sessa. Another wild pitch would bring in pinch runner Alexis Kapsambelis (Merrimack, N.H.). Lauren Jones (Barrington, N.H.) doubled to drive in both Andrea Gosper (Richmond, R.I) and Hannah Baldyga (Goffstown, N.H.). Helmbrecht singled to right field to drive in Jones.

Taking to loss for the Colonels was Sophomore Mikayla Lambert (Blackstone, Mass.) dropping her to 4-5 on the season. Lambert allowed five runs (three earned) on six hits while walking four and striking out one.

Getting the win for the Nor'Easters was Abby Lambert (Brockton, Mass.) improving to 6-3 for the year. Lambert allowed one run on four hits while walking none and striking out none.

Game Two

After an offensively based game in game one, game two was more of a pitcher's duel. Sophomore Jordan Lizotte (Rehoboth, Mass.) took the loss for Curry, going seven strong innings, allowing two runs (zero earned) on four hits while walking four and striking out one. Katelyn Austin (Bethlehem, N.H.) picked up the win for UNE, going five innings allowing one run (zero earned) on two hits while walking one and striking out four. Melissa Sprague (Londonderry, N.H.) picked up the save for the Nor'Easters.

Offensively, both teams got on the board early, with UNE jumping out to an early 2-0 lead. In the top of the first inning, Gosper single to drive in both Vallante and Sessa. Curry got one back in the bottom half of the second frame, when Oatway reached on an error by the first baseman, allowing Sophomore Rachel Byrd (Hampstead, N.H.) to advance to third. During the same play, the second baseman for UNE tried to flip the ball to first base, but no one was there. This allowed Byrd to come across and cut into the lead. Curry threatened a few more times, but in the end, the pitching was too much.

What's Next?

The Colonels return to the diamond tomorrow afternoon as the travel to Roger Williams for a conference doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 pm.

The Nor'easters also play tomorrow afternoon, as they host conference leading Western New England. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 pm.