The University of Massachusetts softball team split a doubleheader against Buffalo on April 8, with Head Coach Danielle Henderson achieving her 200th career coaching victory. The Minutewomen lost the first game 21-4 but secured a dramatic extra-inning win in the second game, finishing the day with a record of 13-22 overall and 5-10 in conference play.
Henderson’s milestone marks a significant achievement for both her career and the UMass program. The team’s performance highlighted resilience after suffering a heavy defeat in the opener.
In the first game, Buffalo’s offense dominated, scoring a season-high 21 runs on 23 hits to end the contest by mercy rule after six innings. Riain Keefe led UMass offensively with two hits, while several teammates contributed singles. Despite an early four-run rally from UMass in the third inning, Buffalo continued to extend its lead throughout the match.
The second game saw a turnaround for UMass as Keefe delivered a walk-off single in the eighth inning to clinch a 5-4 victory. Keefe had two hits and set a personal best with four runs batted in across both games. Tiegan Walsh also played strongly at bat, recording three hits and extending her hitting streak to five games. Pitcher Hannah Streicher earned her eighth win of the season by holding off Buffalo through eight innings.
Buffalo opened scoring early again but was met by timely responses from UMass hitters throughout regulation play. In extra innings, key plays from Woodworth and Walsh set up Keefe’s decisive hit that secured Henderson’s landmark win.
The split leaves UMass looking ahead to build momentum from their comeback victory as they continue their conference schedule.
