Bay Path Falls in Regional Softball Action

Bay Path Falls in Regional Softball Action

LONGMEADOW, Mass.- The Wildcats unfortunately found themselves on the wrong side of the April Fool's Day joke falling 5-1 in the opener and 12-3 in the nightcap to the Trailblazers of MCLA in NCAA Division III regional softball action. Bay Path hosted the Trailblazers after MCLA could not host their home contests due to winter conditions on their field.

The Wildcats helped the Trailblazers' hurler sophomore Rayelle Pierson (Pittsfield, Mass.) toss a no hitter allowing only one run on ten walks.  Pierson (4-3) picked up the win with nine strike outs. Junior pitcher Keelin Dougherty (Northfield, N.H.) suffered the loss giving up five runs on six hits. Dougherty who also scored the lone run to break up MCLA's shut-out in the top of the seventh after being walked by Pierson. She (5-6) also walked three and fanned three for the contest.

The Trailblazers were led by freshman shortstop Amanda Meczywor (Adams, Mass.) who went 2-for 3 with one run and one RBI. Freshman outfielder Samantha Boyle (Pittsfield, Mass.) also went 2-for-3 adding one run.

In the nightcap, Bay Path struck first in the top of the second with freshman utility Casey Botelho (Providence, R.I.) tallying the first hit of the day for the Wildcats shelling one through the left side.  She would take advantage of a passed ball and a throw down to notch the run.

MCLA would score two runs in the bottom of the inning to take the lead. Senior infielder Megan Boyer (Clarksburg, Mass.) shellacked a two run homer bringing the designated player freshman Tanelle Ciempa (Adams, Mass.) along for the ride.

Freshman outfielder Taylor Wood (Castleton, N.Y.) would spark the Wildcats in the third with a single shot up the middle. Dougherty would keep the ball rolling with a single shot. Pinch hitter Maria Carta (Middletown, Conn.) notched a hit to center field plating Dougherty. Wood scored during the at bat on a wild pitch.

MCLA would again take the lead tallying two more runs in third including the eventual game winner scored by sophomore infielder Angelica Perfido (Whately, Mass.).

The Trailblazers would continue the eight more runs in the fourth and fifth and fifth including another two run homer by Boyer in the fourth.

Boyer finished 2-for-2 with four RBI.  Senior hurler Ainsley MacDonald (Wilder, Vt.) picked up the victory allowing three runs on seven hits. MacDonald (1-3) earned her first win struck out nine for her five innings of work. Freshman pitcher Katrina Lury (Corinth, Vt.) suffered the loss giving up 12 runs on ten hits. Lury (3-4) walked six and struck out two.

MCLA is now 7-11 on the season, while Bay Path is 8-12 overall. Bay Path will travel to Brookline to face NECC opponent Newbury on Wednesday, April 3^rd for a 3:00 p.m. doubleheader start.