Links: Game One Box |
Game Two Box |
Highlights
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.  – The Merrimack College softball team swept its doubleheader against Bentley University on Tuesday afternoon from Martone-Mejail Field. The Warriors blanked the Falcons in game one, 8-0, behind a strong pitching performance from senior
Megan Cook. The Navy and Gold then took the second game, 7-3.
The Basics
Score: Game 1: Merrimack 8, Bentley 0 | Final/5 innings
Score: Game 2: Merrimack 7, Bentley 3 | Final
Records: Merrimack (15-4, 3-2 NE10) | Bentley (4-14, 2-5 NE10)
Location: Martone-Mejail Field | North Andover, Mass.
Rapid Recap (Game One)
- Merrimack put five runs on the board in the first inning and never looked back. A two-out double by Cook plated sophomore Tiffany Mangiameli for the games' first run. Freshman Abigail Amato capped off the first inning scoring with a two-run blast to left field for her first career home run as a Warrior.
- The Warriors added two in the third one RBI hits by junior Emily Kurkul and freshman Luciellia Colarusso for a 7-0 lead. Cook allowed just one baserunner through the first three innings, including striking out the final two batters of the third inning.
- After a leadoff triple in the fourth by senior Alyssa Williamson, Cook drove a ball to center for sacrifice fly to cap off the scoring. The Falcons mustered one more hit, but Cook shut them down for the win.
Rapid Recap (Game Two)
- It was a pitcher's duel for the first two innings, as Warriors' starter senior Courtney Zambello was sharp, striking out three of the first six batters she faced. Her counterpart Ashley Keegan was equally impressive in the first two innings.
- The Warriors, however, came up big again with two outs in the third inning. After a single by Mangiameli, junior Nicole Nanof sent a full count pitch over the wall for a 2-0 lead. The Warriors added two more in the fourth thanks to an error by the Falcons.
- The Warriors tacked on two more in the sixth. After a double steal by junior Brianna Sebio and senior Breanna Dupuis put runners on second and third, Nanof sent a hit to right field, scoring both runners. That gave Merrimack a 6-0 lead.
- The Falcons would not go quietly. After a walk and a two-out single by Stacey Korotsky put runners on first and second, Lea Thompson sent a ball to straight away center for a three-run blast. That cut the lead in half.
- However, Cook came into the game in relief of Zambello, striking out the final four batters of the game for her third save of the season.
Notes and Notables
- Game 1: WP – Cook (8-1) | LP – Lauren Calabrese (1-5)
- Cook's Line: (5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K)
- Cook picked up her fifth complete-game shutout of the season.
- Amato picked up her first home run of her career, and had two hits. Seven Merrimack players recorded a hit.
- Game 2: WP – Zambello (4-2)| LP – Ashley Keegan (3-5) | SV: Cook (3)
- Zambello's line: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 K, 3 BB
- Amato continued a strong day, with three hits in the second game. Kurkul and Mangiameli also had three hits in game two.
- Nanof led the offense with four RBI in the game.
- Mangiamelli has reached base in all 19 games this season, while Williamson is on a 12 game on base streak.
Up Next:
Merrimack hosts LIU Post on Friday afternoon for a non-conference doubleheader from Martone-Mejail Field. First pitch is scheduled for noon.
