NORTH ADAMS – The MCLA Trailblazers swept Westfield State University in MASCAC softball on Tuesday by scores of 2-1 and 5-1.
MCLA improves to 14-18 overall and 8-4 in the MASCAC. Westfield falls to 7-24, 4-8.
In the opener, Westfield scored in the first inning when leadoff hitter Courtney Begin singled and advanced to second on ground out by Molly Dunbar. An infield error off the bat of Breanne Bisceglia scored Begin.
MCLA bats came alive in the second. Angelica Perfido was hit by a pitch and Samantha Barbarotta sacrificed her to second. Following a ground out that advanced Perfido to third. Megan Boyer ripped a double to left scoring Perfido and tying the game at 1-1.
The Trailblazers again scored in the third inning when Rachel Quackenbush walked, moved to second and third on grounders and scored on an Amanda Meczywor single for the game’s final run.
Quackenbush earned the win, striking out eight and walking one, facing four batters over the limit. Kelley Fluet was tagged with the loss for the Owls.
The Trailblazers were led at the plate by Meczywor, who was 2 for 3 with two singles and an RBI. Westfield was led by Bisceglia, who was 2 for 3 with a pair of singles.
The nightcap started the same way for the Owls as they struck first in the second inning, when Celina Sinico earned a walk and advanced to third on a single by Emily Mailloux. The designated player Kate Woishnis hit a two-out single scoring Sinico.
The Trailblazers were held scoreless until the fourth inning. Perfido started the fourth off with a single. The Owls tried to get Perfido at second but she was called safe and Barbarotta reached safely on a fielder’s choice. Boyer struck again with a two RBI double to put the Trailblazers up 2-1. Boyer stole third base and scored on a Samantha Boyle single.
The Trailblazers held a 3-1 lead until the sixth inning. With two outs Ciempa hit a single to left. Hobbs then slugged a home run to straightway center for the game’s final runs.
Meczywor did all that was needed in the circle in relief of starter Quackenbush. Mecywory pitched four scoreless innings.
