NORTHAMPTON, MA. — The Smith College softball team dropped both games of a NEWMAC doubleheader against Emerson on Monday afternoon, falling 5–1 in Game 1 and 8–3 in Game 2 at Smith Softball Field.

Game 1: Emerson 5, Smith 1

Smith's pitching and defense kept the game within reach through six innings. Emilie Doty (Arlington, VA/Washington-Liberty) turned in a strong start in the circle, working six effective frames before Emerson added three insurance runs in the seventh. Doty allowed just two runs through the first six, striking out two and holding the Lions to minimal hard contact.

At the plate, Ally Knutson (Green Bay, WI/Bay Port) led the offense with two hits, including a sharp RBI single to right center in the fifth that brought home Emilie Doty (Arlington, VA/Washington-Liberty) who had reached on a walk. Smith loaded the bases in the same inning but couldn't capitalize further.

Defensively, the Pioneers played clean behind Doty, with strong plays from Lily Hackett (Concord, NH/Concord) at second base. 

Game 2: Emerson 8, Smith 3

Smith came out swinging in Game 2, tallying six hits and putting runners on in six of seven innings. After falling behind 2–0 in the first, the Pioneers responded immediately with RBI single from Lucy Allen (West Boylston, MA/West Boylston) to tie the game to score Kat Wajerski (Bellevue, WA/Newport) and Ally Knutson (Green Bay, WI/Bay Port). 

Smith added another run in the third on another RBI single from Allen giving Smith the brief lead. 

Lindsay Bennet and Emilie Doty (Arlington, VA/Washington-Liberty) all saw action with Bennet picking up the loss as she went six innings strong. 

Smith showed offensive depth, with eight different players recording hits and sustained pressure in the middle innings, but key scoring opportunities came up just short.

Up Next:

Smith  will return to conference play later this week on the road at WPI. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 3:30pm.

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.