Softball Hosts Suffolk in Home Opener

BOSTON, Mass. – The Wentworth Institute of Technology softball team played its home opener on Saturday, dropping a pair of games to Suffolk. The Rams edged the Leopards, 2-1 in the opener, and took the nightcap, 6-1.

GAME ONE:  Suffolk 2, Wentworth 1

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Wentworth Batting Leaders:  Brionna Myers (1-for-3, RBI), Kaitlin Pettenger (1-for-3), Ceilidh Higgins (1-for-3)

Wentworth Pitching Leaders:  Kayla DeMedeiros ((L, 0-3) 5 IP, 2 R (1 ER)), Erin Hancock (2 IP, 1H)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• After a leadoff single and a strikeout, Suffolk loaded the bases in the second inning, thanks to a fielder's choice and a single. The Rams crossed the plate a batter later on a fielder's choice, however, Wentworth got out of the jam with a force at the plate and a fly out to center.
• The Rams loaded the bases to start the sixth inning before a strikeout and a pop out occurred. An RBI single plated the second run for Suffolk but senior Kayla DeMedeiros (North Dartmouth, Mass.) got a groundout to end the inning.
• Down to its final at bat, Wentworth sliced the lead in half. With one out DeMedeiros reached on an error and freshman pinch runner Madison Berardi (Grafton, Mass.) went to second when junior Ceilidh Higgins (Medway, Mass.) singled. After a strikeout, senior Brionna Myers (Seabrook, N.H.) laced a double to score Berardi. However, Suffolk got a game-ending groundout.
• Sophomore Kaitlin Pettenger (Budd Lake, N.J.), Higgins and Myers each had hits for the Black & Gold with Myers also driving in a run. DeMedeiros took the loss (0-3), allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits and striking out one.

GAME TWO:  Suffolk 6, Wentworth 1

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Wentworth Batting Leaders:  Kaitlin Pettenger (2-for-3), Alexandra Pina (1-for-3, 1 RBI); Kayla DeMedeiros (1-for-3), Erin Hancock (1-for-2)

Wentworth Pitching Leaders:  Erin Hancock ((L, 0-3) 1.2 IP, 4 R, 7 H); Kayla DeMedeiros (5.1 IP, 2 R, 6 H)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Suffolk scored two runs in the top of the first inning, thanks to a two-out RBI double and a Wentworth error. The Rams added two more in the second with a two-run single and increased their lead to 6-0 in the fourth on an RBI single and by way of a fielder's choice.
• Wentworth cut the lead to 6-1 in the fifth inning as junior Alexandra Pina (Cumberland, R.I.) had an RBI single. Pettenger hit a one-out single and stole second. She moved to third when junior Briana Beverly (Pawcatuck, Conn.) reached on a fielder's choice, setting the stage for Pina's single.
• Pettenger paced the Leopard offense with a pair of hits as Pina, DeMedeiros, and sophomore Erin Hancock (Holden, Mass.) also had hits. Hancock took the loss (0-3), allowing four runs on seven hits.

ALL-TIME SERIES:

• Today marked the 14th and 15th meetings between the two teams. Suffolk holds a 14-1 series advantage, including winning the last 11 meetings.

NEXT UP:

• Wentworth is at Suffolk on Sunday for a 10:00 a.m. doubleheader.

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