The University of Massachusetts softball team lost both games in a doubleheader against Jacksonville University on Saturday at the Debbie & Fred Pruitt Softball Complex. Jacksonville secured a 13-1 win in the first game and followed up with an 8-0 victory in the second, as part of the River City Leadoff event.
UMass starts its season with an overall record of 0-4. North Florida holds a 3-1 record. The Minutewomen are scheduled to play Colgate next, with that game set for Sunday, February 8 at 10:00 a.m.
In the opening game, Riain Keefe, Lillie Scheivert, and Tiegan Walsh each recorded a hit for Massachusetts. Scheivert drove in the team’s first run of the season. Brooke Musch, Lilly Woodworth, and Sofia Thormeyer each drew walks during the contest, while Musch stole her second base this year.
The Minutewomen scored first after Keefe reached base on an infield single and advanced to third before being brought home by Scheivert’s single to right field. Pitcher Hannah Streicher kept UMass ahead through one inning by working out of a bases-loaded situation.
After two quiet innings from both teams, Jacksonville broke through in the bottom of the third inning with eight runs on six hits. The Dolphins added five more runs in the fifth inning. Despite singles from Walsh and an error that put runners in scoring position for UMass, they could not cut into Jacksonville’s lead and fell 13-1 after five innings due to the run rule.
Streicher (0-2) took the loss for Massachusetts, giving up five earned runs on five hits over 2.1 innings while walking two batters. Jordan White (2-0) earned the win for Jacksonville after allowing one run on three hits across five innings.
In game two, Musch led UMass offensively by going 2-for-3 at the plate; Keefe and Scheivert also had hits. Katharine Heslin walked once and Musch stole her third base of the season; Walsh also added a stolen base.
UMass started strong again when Heslin walked with two outs and Scheivert collected her third hit of the season but was unable to score as Heslin was thrown out trying to advance to third base.
Jacksonville took control early with two runs in their half of the first inning thanks to Emma Mansfield and Kate Linkletter. They extended their lead with four more runs in the fourth inning.
Although Massachusetts began their sixth inning with consecutive singles, they were unable to capitalize due to a double play. Jacksonville then scored twice more in their half of that frame, ending the game by run rule at 8-0.
Kelsey Blanchette (0-2) was charged with eight earned runs on twelve hits over 5.1 innings pitched for UMass. Jacy Harrelson (1-1) picked up her first win for Jacksonville by allowing no runs on two hits over five innings.
