Softball Celebrates Senior Day with Pair of Walk-Offs over UNE

BOSTON, Mass. – The Wentworth Institute of Technology softball team secured a pair of walk-off wins over the University of New England Nor'Easters on Saturday afternoon in Conference of New England play. The Leopards outlasted UNE 2-1 in game one before grabbing a 3-2 decision in game two.

With the pair of triumphs, the Black & Gold boost their overall record to 13-17 and 3-7 in the CNE. The Nor'Easters fall to 7-21 overall (1-11 CNE).

Prior to game one, the Leopards honored seniors Kayla Richard, Jess Rowe, Katie Kranz, and Katelin Howe.

GAME ONE: WENTWORTH 2, UNE 1 (FINAL – 8 INNINGS)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The two teams juked it out defensively much of the contest, until the seventh inning in which a single by Richard after a sacrifice bunt brought Kelsey Medalia to third. However, the Leopards next two batters were retired, forcing extra innings.
• The Nor'Easters struck in the eighth inning as a double by Hannah Irons plated a run to give UNE a 1-0 edge. In the back half of the frame, a Howe single ran Brianna Miller to third. From there, a double to right field by Lexi Lefkowski ran home both runners, earning the Black & Gold a 2-1 walk-off win.
• Howe paced the offense with two hits. In the circle, Rowe struck out seven batters and only surrendered six hits.

GAME TWO: WENTWORTH 3, UNE 2 (FINAL – 8 INNINGS)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Nor'Easters posted a run on the board in the second as an RBI single plated a run by Elise Connor. UNE doubled the advantage in the sixth as a double by Grace Riva ran home an additional score, marking a 2-0 game.
• The Leopards knotted the score at two-all in the back half of the sixth as a double by Kyla Igawa plated runs by Howe and Lefkowski. Igawa managed to make her way to third and Rowe to second later in the inning before UNE ended the threat.
• After both teams posted three-and-outs in the seventh, Julia Malowitz retired each Nor'Easters batter she faced in the eighth. In the back of the frame, Howe was sent to third on a sacrifice bunt before an Igawa groundout ultimately brought her home, marking a 3-2 final score.
• Offensively, Igawa led the Leopards with a pair of hits and three RBI. In the circle, Malowitz pitched eight innings, fanning four batters and only giving up five hits along the way.

SERIES NOTES:

• The Black & Gold have won the last eight meetings between the two teams.

NEXT UP:

• Wentworth hosts Roger Williams on Tuesday.

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