BABSON PARK, MA. — The Smith College softball team battled through two tough contests on the road Friday afternoon, falling to Babson by scores of 2–0 and 20–0 (5 innings) in a NEWMAC doubleheader at Alumni Field. Despite the setbacks, the Pioneers showed moments of promise, particularly in Game 1 behind a strong effort in the circle.

Smith went toe-to-toe with one of the conference's top offenses in Game 1, holding Babson scoreless through five innings behind a standout performance from senior Emilie Doty (Arlington, VA/Washington-Liberty) in the circle. Doty scattered just four hits and struck out five, working efficiently and keeping the Beavers off balance with a mix of pitches and precise command.

The Pioneers threatened in the top of the third after Lily Hackett (Concord, NH/Concord) drew a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch, but the rally stalled with a flyout to right. Smith's best scoring chance came in the top of the fourth when Lucy Allen (West Boylston, MA/West Boylston) broke up a no-hit bid with a sharp single up the middle and Eli Washington followed with a walk. However, Babson escaped the jam.

Defensively, Smith stayed clean behind Doty, turning a double play to end the fourth to get out of the jam.

Babson finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth with a one out walk and a double to deep center, followed by an RBI single to make it 1-0. Smith couldn't mount a final-inning rally, going down in order in the seventh.

Game 2 saw Babson come out swinging, plating 10 runs in the opening inning and capitalizing on Smith miscues. The Pioneers allowed eight errors in the game, and Babson collected 16 hits en route to a five-inning decision.

At the plate, Elinor Washington (Sacramento, CA/Pleasant Grove) had a strong game with two hits, while Lucy Allen (West Boylston, MA/West Boylston) and Lily Hackett (Concord, NH/Concord) each added singles. Smith put seven runners on base and had opportunities to score in the second and third innings, but could not break through against Babson's pitching.

The Pioneers used a combination of pitchers in the game, with Bailey Gray and Lindsay Bennett sharing time in the circle

Up Next:

Smith will look to bounce back on next Friday as they return to league play against WPI. First pitch is set for 3:30 PM.

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.