NORTHAMPTON - The Smith College softball team played at home for the first time since returning from Florida, resulting in a loss and tie against Westfield State on Wednesday afternoon. The Pioneers dropped a 1-0 decision in the opener before the second game of the twinbill was called in the fifth inning due to rain and darkness with the score knotted at 8-8.
Smith is now 6-5-1 on the year, while the Owls move to 9-4-1.
Game 1: Smith 0 Westfield State 1
- In a classic pitchers duel that went scoreless through the seventh inning, Alyssa Clark doubled down the left field line which set up Sarah Bingham who scorched one over the centerfielder's head. Bingham's RBI double was the only run of the game as Gianna Conte and Stephanie Scoville combined for the shutout. Conte allowed four hits while each struckout three for the Owls.
- Piper Corey (Phoenix, AZ/Horizon Honors) went 2-for-3 at the plate and Emilie Doty (Arlington, VA/Washington-Liberty) was outstanding for Smith, striking out a season-best 14 batters. Lexi Balam (Lyndeborough, NH/Wilton-Lyndeborough Coop)a and Juno Shanta each recorded hits for Smith.
Game 2: Smith 8 Westfield State 8 (5 Innings)
- In game full of offense, Smith plated three runs in the first on a wild pitch followed by CeCe Alaniz's (Bakersfield, CA/East Bakersfield) two run double to center making it 3-1
- The visitors went ahead 4-3 in the second before Smith responded with two unearned runs in the home half of the second
- Westfield drew six walks in the third and pushed their lead to 8-5
- Smith got one back on an Alaniz homer in the third and Ally Knutson (Green Bay, WI/Bay Port) ripped a two run double in the fourth to tie the game
- Alaniz went 2-for-3 with three RBI, while Molly Taketa (Redmond, Wash./Woodinville) also finished with two hits
- Bailey Gray (Missouri City, TX/Ridge Point) pitched 2.1 innings of relief with three strikeouts
Up Next
Smith is off until its NEWMAC opener on Friday, April 5 at Wheaton.
About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log on to smithpioneers.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
