University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
La Salle
Balschmiter Hurls No-Hitter; Softball Beats La Salle, 5-0
May 01, 2009 | Softball
May 1, 2009
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AMHERST, Mass. - The La Salle batters were no match for Brandice Balschmiter on Friday afternoon at the UMass Softball Complex as she no-hit the Explorers in a 5-0 UMass victory. The senior hurler struck out 15 while allowing just two base-runners on walks. Seven different Minutewomen collected hits as UMass jumped ahead early with three runs in the first inning and two in the second. UMass improves to 33-7 overall and 14-1 in Atlantic 10 play, while La Salle falls to 8-27 overall and 6-11 in conference.
Balschmiter (26-4) carried a perfect game into the fifth inning before issuing a two-out walk on a 3-2 pitch. That snapped a string of seven-straight strikeouts. The Newark, N.Y. native now has two no-hitters this season and nine in her career.
Audrey Boutin drove in two runs for the Minutewomen, while Sarah Reeves and Samantha Salato added a RBI each.
Carly Normandin led off the bottom of the first by doubling off the wall in straight-away center. Whitney Mollica walked to put runners on first and second for Salato, who with two outs doubled down the left field line to drive in the first run of the game. Boutin followed in the next at-bat by singling up the middle to drive in two more and give UMass a 3-0 lead.
Davina Hernandez reached on a fielder's choice after a leadoff single by Jessica Serio in the bottom of the second inning. With two outs, Whitney Williams and Mollica drew back-to-back walks. Hernandez scored the third UMass run after Williams stole second and the throw was mishandled by the second baseman. With runners at the corners, Reeves singled to right field, driving in Williams and giving the Minutewomen a 5-0 lead.
La Salle starter Gina Massaro (5-12) pitched four innings, allowing five runs on six hits and four walks with two strikeouts. DJ Guinn pitched the final two innings for the Explorers, allowing one hit and walking two.
The Minutewomen return to action on Saturday when they close out the series with the Explorers at noon. It will Senior Day and "Pack the Park" day at the UMass Softball Complex.
