Softball Downed by Wentworth, Leaves Winner to Championship Game to Friday

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (May 11, 2023) – The Western New England softball team fell at home to the third seeded Leopards of Wentworth for the first time this season after beating Wentworth three previous times this season as the Leopards swept the day, forcing a winner-take-all game on Friday afternoon with the winner to take on Endicott College in the CCC Championship series. 

Records:

• Western New England: 27-14
• Wentworth Institute of Technology: 28-12-1

Pitching Records:

W: Julie Schriver: 14-2

L: Megan Beebe: 12-6

How it Happened:

After two scoreless innings to open the game, the Leopard were able to get on the Golden Bears early in the top of the third inning which led to the first four runs of the game. An error by Western New England would lead to the first run of the game for Wentworth while a big three run double by Julia Bollentein would give the Leopards a 4-0 lead. A huge three run home run in the top of the fourth by Kaitlin Pettenger would send Wentworth ahead 7-0 through 3.5 innings. 

The Golden Bears would come back for three runs in the bottom of the fourth after Page Baca led off with a single, which was followed by a double by Dina DiBlasio to right field, getting WNE on the board. Madison Mason would grab an RBI single to left field, while Alex Ferriouolo would connect on a two RBI single down the left field line, giving WNE back within four runs. 

In relief, Ava Blanchard would shut down the Leopards, going the final four innings giving up three hits and no runs while walking one and striking out four Leopards. The Golden Bears appeared to be starting a rally in the bottom of the seventh after a single by Taylor Keegan would get the top of the WNE lineup going but dominant pitching from Wentworth's Julie Schriver would send Wentworth to force one final game in the CCC Pod B Tournament. 

Inside the Lines:

• Four errors on the afternoon would be the detriment to the Golden Bears as Wentworth would send in four unearned runs in on WNE. 
• Julie Schriver would lead Wentworth in the circle, going four innings, giving up two hits and one walk.
• Alex Ferriouolo and Dina DiBlasio each recorded two hits in the game for WNE. 
• WNE left six on base. 

Up Next on the Schedule: 

• The two teams will meet for one final time, the fifth time this season, with the winner to take on top seeded Endicott in the CCC Championship series. The elimination game will be played on Friday, May 12 at 3:00 PM.