WILLIMANTIC, Conn. – Junior
Kenzie Bessette (Cranston, R.I.) racked up five hits, including a triple, and stole two more bases, but Eastern Connecticut State University swept Plymouth State University in a Little East Conference (LEC) softball doubleheader at Clyde Washburne Field on Sunday.
The Warriors struck for six runs in the bottom of the first to seize an early lead in game one. Plymouth State closed the gap to 7-3 with a three-run third, but Eastern Connecticut responded immediately. Seniors
Caroline Macri (Burlington, Mass.) and
Kaity Montelongo (South Paris, Maine) each drove in runs in the fifth to make it 11-5, but that was as close as the Panthers would get.
Bessette opened game two with a triple and scored on an error, while senior
Jade Guertin (Oakland, R.I.) extended the lead to 3-0 with a two-run double. Eastern Connecticut got one back in the bottom of the inning, then surged ahead with a five-run second. Guertin ripped another RBI double in the third, and Macri added a run-scoring single to cut the deficit to 6-5, but the Warriors used a three-run fourth to regain control. PSU loaded the bases in the sixth but managed just one run as the Warriors held on for a 9-6 win.
Plymouth State moves to 20-13 (6-6 LEC), while the Warriors are 15-15 (9-3 LEC).
The Basics:
- Game 1: Plymouth State 5, Eastern Connecticut 11
- Game 2: Plymouth State 6, Eastern Connecticut 9
- Plymouth State (20-13, 6-6 LEC)
- Eastern Connecticut (15-15, 9-3 LEC)
How it Happened (Game One):
- Bessette singled and stole second, and sophomore Avery Couch (Fort Worth, Texas) was hit by a pitch and stole a base to give PSU two runners in scoring position in the first, but the Warriors escaped the jam.
- Eastern Connecticut capitalized on three errors to plate six runs in the bottom of the inning.
- The Warriors tacked on another run in the second to extend the lead.
- Bessette ignited a three-run rally in the third with a leadoff single. Couch followed with an RBI single, and Guertin reached on an error to make it 7-2. Montelongo added an RBI single later in the frame.
- Eastern Connecticut answered with three runs in the bottom half to push the lead to 10-3.
- The Warriors added another run in the fourth.
- PSU attempted a rally in the fifth as senior Mia Ly (Lowell, Mass.) walked and junior Abbey Nezuch (Marlborough, Mass.) singled. Macri and Montelongo drove in runs to make it 11-5, but neither team would score again.
By the Numbers (Game One):
- Bessette went 2-for-4 with a run scored.
- Couch was 1-for-3 with a run and an RBI.
- Nezuch tallied two hits in four at-bats and scored once.
- Montelongo singled, walked, and drove in two.
- Junior Emily Antrim (Limerick, Maine) was charged with six runs – only two earned – over two innings. Freshman Mackenzie Griswold (Bath, N.H.) tossed the final four innings.
How it Happened (Game Two):
- Bessette led off the game with a triple and scored on an error to give PSU an early lead. Couch followed with a single, and Guertin drove in two with a double to make it 3-0.
- Eastern Connecticut got a run back in the bottom half, then took the lead with a five-run second.
- Couch walked to open the third and scored on Guertin's second RBI double of the game. Later, Macri singled home Guertin to cut the margin to 6-5.
- The Warriors answered with three in the fourth to stretch the lead to 9-5.
- In the sixth, Macri walked, and Montelongo and Bessette singled to load the bases. PSU scratched across one run on a fielder's choice, but that was all as ECSU held on for the sweep.
By the Numbers (Game Two):
- Bessette went a perfect 3-for-3 with a triple, a walk, and a run scored.
- Guertin reached four times with two doubles, a single, and a walk. She drove in three and scored once.
- Macri singled, walked, driving in one, and scoring a run.
- Junior Emily Bessette (Cranston, R.I.) added two RBIs.
Up Next:
- PSU heads to Vermont State University Castleton for a key LEC doubleheader on Tuesday (Apr. 29). Game one is set for a 3:00 p.m. start.
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