University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Maryland
Seventh inning comeback helps UMass over Maryland
March 18, 2016 | Softball
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Massachusetts softball bested Maryland but fell to Ball State in the opening day of the Maryland Invitational on Friday. The Minutewomen move to 6-14 on the season following Friday’s games.
Game One
Sophomore Meg Colleran took a no-hitter into the sixth inning, but Massachusetts was edged by Ball State, 2-0.
Colleran allowed just two hits over her seven innings of work, each coming in the sixth inning. With one out in the inning, Ball State senior Selena Reyna singled to give the Cardinals their first hit of the contest. Freshman Madison Lee followed with an RBI single scoring classmate Madeline Porter, who started the rally with a one out walk.
Redshirt sophomore Jena Cozza had two hits in the game for the Minutewomen, while senior Whitney Cooper and freshman Erin Stacevicz each added hits for head coach Kristi Stefanoni’s team.
Massachusetts threatened in the fifth inning. Cooper laced a two-out single to right-center and moved to second on an error by the centerfielder. She moved to third on a Stacevicz single to the right side, but Cardinal pitcher Nicole Steinbach was able to get out of the jam with a groundout.
Game Two
A three-run seventh inning put the Minutewomen over the host team as UMass topped Maryland, 5-4.
Trailing 4-2 heading into the final inning, Massachusetts started their comeback when Stacevicz reached on an infield single. Cozza followed by reaching on an error. The Minutewomen capitalized on a Maryland error after freshman Kaitlyn Stavinoha singled to left field to score the runners when the ball was misplayed in left field. Senior Taylor Carbone drove Stavinoha home with a sacrifice fly to give UMass the lead.
Massachusetts got two runs in the sixth inning. Senior Olivia Godin walked with the bases loaded to score the first UMass run, while outfielder Tara Klee singled to make the score 4-2 Maryland.
Colleran (5-8) earned the win on the mound for the Minutewomen. The sophomore threw seven innings and allowed just four hits in the game. She added four strikeouts, two in the final Maryland inning to secure the win.
UMass is back in action on Saturday morning when they take on Binghamton at 9 a.m. followed by North Dakota State at 11:15 a.m. in the second day of the Maryland Invitational.
For continued coverage of UMass softball, follow the team on Twitter (@UMassSoftball), Instagram (@UMassSBall) and on Facebook at facebook.com/UMass-Softball.
