The University of Massachusetts softball team split a doubleheader against Northern Illinois on March 28, winning the first game 11-2 before dropping the second contest 5-4.
The games were important for both teams as they continue their Mid-American Conference schedules. The Minutewomen improved to an overall record of 8-18 and a conference record of 1-6, while Northern Illinois moved to 10-9 overall and 4-3 in conference play.
In the opening game, UMass scored eight runs in the third inning and went on to secure an 11-2 victory. Riley Kairer led with two hits including a double, while seven different players recorded runs batted in. Pitcher Kelsey Blanchette tied her career high with five strikeouts and retired eight consecutive batters at the start of the game. “Blanchette (3-8) picked up the win for the Minutewomen, allowing just two runs on six hits and five strikeouts in 5.0 innings,” according to the university’s report.
The second game saw UMass take an early lead but fall behind after Northern Illinois responded with four runs in their half of the first inning. Despite tying the score at four later in the game, UMass could not regain control as NIU took back the lead in the fifth inning and held on for a narrow win. Olivia Cutuli was charged with four runs without recording an out, while Hannah Streicher pitched six innings in relief.
Looking ahead, Massachusetts will host Dartmouth College for a non-conference matchup on March 31 at home.
