The University of Massachusetts softball team lost 3-0 to Western Michigan on April 3 in the first game of a three-game series. The Minutewomen managed only three hits during the contest, while Western Michigan secured an early lead and maintained it throughout the game.
This result matters for both teams as they continue their seasons within their respective conferences, with Massachusetts now holding a record of 10-20 overall and 2-8 in conference play, while Western Michigan improves to 17-15 overall and 6-4 in conference.
Lillie Scheivert, Riley Kairer, and Katharine Helsin each recorded hits for Massachusetts. Scheivert hit a double, while Riain Keefe and Lily Woodworth each drew walks. In the opening inning, Western Michigan loaded the bases quickly through a walk, single, and hit by pitch. Jordan Smith then singled down the left field line to bring home two runs for the Broncos. A double later in the inning extended their lead to three runs.
The Minutewomen attempted to respond in the bottom of the second inning when Scheivert doubled and Kairer reached base on an infield single. However, they were unable to score as two runners were stranded following a strikeout and fly out.
From the third inning onward, pitchers Hannah Streicher for Massachusetts and Ava Geyer for Western Michigan engaged in a duel that saw neither team surrendering another hit until late in the game. Heslin broke up this streak with a pinch-hit single for Massachusetts in the seventh inning before a flyout ended any comeback hopes.
Streicher pitched all seven innings for Massachusetts but took her ninth loss of the season after allowing three runs on six hits with two walks and three strikeouts. Geyer earned her sixth win by shutting out Massachusetts over seven innings with six strikeouts. The Minutewomen are scheduled to continue their series against Western Michigan with a doubleheader beginning at 9 a.m.
