Anchorwomen softball scores six in first to blast away Lancers for 11-5 game one victory

Tim Yean

Sports Editor

(PROVIDENCE) – Rhode Island College fifth-year player Tori Young homered in the bottom of the first inning, and third-year pitcher Gabby Cunha struck out seven in an 11-5 victory for the softball team over Worcester State University in game one of a doubleheader on April 17. 

It was Young’s third home run of the year, tying her with second-year Melanie Earley for the team lead. Second-year Sydney Duclos had a two-run double in the same inning, going 2-3 on the day with four RBIs.

It was a revenge game for RIC head coach Lauren Hatfield and assistant coach Emily Bartlett. Hatfield spent the previous six years with the Lancers as an associate head coach, while Bartlett starred as a pitcher and hitter during her playing career.

Cunha pitched a complete seven, allowing three earned runs as she came up on the victory for the Anchorwomen, her first win of the year. Second-year Taylor Coonan was the starting pitcher for Worcester State. She struck out one and allowed an earned run, recording the loss to fall to 2-4 on her season. 

Dayna A Bazar Softball Complex Photo by Tim Yean

Key Moments

Fourth-year Sarah Mickelson grounded out to Lancer fourth-year shortstop Emma Lanpher, who stumbled attempting to grab the ball. Her off-angled throw was not in time as Mickelson got to first. Tori Young would score a home run right after, en route to a six-run performance in the bottom of the first inning.

In the sixth inning, RIC second-year Olivia Brett grounded to Lanpher. During the attempted pick-up, Lanpher collided with Anchorwomen second-year Brianna Bailey as she ran for third. Bailey would be called out due to interference, but Brett was called safe at first.

RIC had a successful delayed double steal on fourth-year left fielder Abby Clesas’ at bat. Brett dashed to second for the initial stolen base. During the throw to second base by the Worcester State catcher, first-year Gabrielle Sweeney took off to steal home, the throw was not in time as Brett would take off again from second to reach third base. Clesas singled and drove Brett home to bring the Anchorwomen's lead to six.

Key Stat

Worcester State committed four errors, two coming from the first inning.

Up Next

Following their 1-1 split (lost game two 3-2) afterwards, the Anchorwomen have a April 19 doubleheader at Western Connecticut State University beginning at 1 p.m., followed by an April 22 doubleheader at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth starting at 4 p.m.

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