The University of Massachusetts softball team split a doubleheader against Western Michigan on April 4, taking one win and one loss in the final two games of their three-game series.
This result highlights both teams’ competitiveness as they approach the middle of the season. The Minutewomen lost the first game 6-3 but rebounded strongly to win the second by mercy rule, 8-0.
Odyssey Torres led UMass offensively with four hits across both games. Riley Kairer and Lily Woodworth each recorded extra-base hits, while Riain Keefe reached base three times in the second contest. In game one, Torres and Kairer contributed two hits each. Kelsey Blanchette started for UMass but took the loss after allowing six runs (five earned) over five and a third innings. Olivia Cutuli provided relief without giving up any hits. For Western Michigan, Hannah Potts earned her eighth win of the season.
In game two, UMass bats came alive with eight hits spread among six players including Keefe, Musch, Torres, Woodworth, Katharine Heslin and Teigan Walsh. Keefe was hit by pitches twice and reached base three times overall. The Minutewomen scored early with four runs in the first inning and steadily built their lead until ending it via mercy rule in five innings. Hannah Streicher pitched a shutout for UMass while Ava Geyer took the loss for Western Michigan.
The Minutewomen will continue their homestand against Buffalo with a doubleheader scheduled for Tuesday, March 7 at 2:00 p.m.
