BANGOR, Maine – Plymouth State University softball couldn't find its offensive rhythm against a strong Husson University pitching performance, dropping a non-conference doubleheader, 6-0 and 12-0, at O'Keefe Field on Thursday evening.
The Panthers drew five walks in the opener but were unable to come up with the timely hit, as Husson jumped out to a first inning lead en route to a 6-0 win.
Sophomore
Kennedy Michaud (Auburn, N.H.) had two of PSU's five hits in game two, but once again Husson's pitching kept the Panthers off the scoreboard, completing the sweep with a 12-0, five-inning win.
Plymouth State, which had won seven of its last eight games, falls to 16-9, while Husson improves to 13-9.
The Basics:
- Game 1: Plymouth State 0, Husson 6
- Game 2: Plymouth State 0, Husson 12 (5 Inn.)
- Plymouth State (16-9)
- Husson (13-9)
How it Happened (Game One):
- Husson plated two runs in the first.
- PSU threatened in the third when sophomore Kiera Larson (Glenwood Springs, Colo.) led off with a walk and junior Kenzie Bessette (Cranston, R.I.) followed with a single up the middle, but the Panthers couldn't capitalize.
- The Eagles tacked on three runs in the third and another in the fourth to extend the lead to 6-0.
- Plymouth State put multiple runners on base in both the fifth and seventh innings but couldn't break through. Michaud walked to lead off the fifth, but back-to-back strikeouts halted the rally. Senior Kaity Montelongo (South Paris, Maine) kept the inning alive with another walk, though a fielder's choice ended the threat.
- In the seventh, Larson singled with one out and Montelongo walked with two down, but a strikeout ended the game.
By the Numbers (Game One):
- Larson reached twice with a single and a walk.
- Bessette recorded a single.
- Montelongo drew a pair of walks.
- Sophomore Lauren Laudani (Londonderry, N.H.) allowed just one run over three innings of relief.
How it Happened (Game Two):
- PSU showed offensive promise as senior Mia Ly (Lowell, Mass.) singled with two outs in the first.
- Husson responded with six runs in the bottom of the inning to take control early.
- Michaud opened the second with an infield single, and senior Jade Guertin (Oakland, R.I.) added a one-out base hit, but the Panthers couldn't push a run across.
- The Eagles added two more runs in the second and four in the third.
- The Panthers threatened in the fourth when Michaud doubled to left and advanced to third, but Husson again worked out of trouble.
- Freshman Lilly Vetelino (Westerly, R.I.) notched a one-out single in the fifth and moved into scoring position, but PSU remained scoreless.
By the Numbers (Game Two):
- Michaud went 2-for-2 with a single and a double.
- Ly reached twice with a single and a walk, and Vetelino had a pinch hit single.
- Junior Abbey Nezuch (Marlborough, Mass.) worked 1.1 scoreless innings of relief with a strikeout.
- Husson has now won all eight meetings between the two teams.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State settles in for a week-long homestand, beginning with a Little East Conference doubleheader against UMass Boston on Saturday (Apr. 19). First pitch for game one is set for noon.
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