Softball Stymied in Pair at Wagner

Links: Box Score (Game 1) | Box Score (Game 2)
 
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.– The Merrimack softball team fell in both contests of the first conference doubleheader of the season, as the Wagner Seahawks earned a pair of wins on Saturday.
 
The Basics
Score: Game 1: Merrimack 2, Wagner 9 | Final
Score: Game 2: Merrimack 1, Wagner 3 | Final
Records: Merrimack Warriors (6-15, 2-6 NEC) | Wagner Seahawks (9-19, 2-3 NEC)
Location: Wagner Softball Field | Staten Island, NY

Rapid Recap (Game One)

• Wagner got started on home turf in the second inning. A single to center and a walk put two on, with the first run of the afternoon getting brought in on a single to center while advancing the runner from first. A double to center field brought in three runs for the Seahawks. With two outs in the inning, another single up the middle added the final run of the second.
• Merrimack returned the offensive effort in the top of the third. Courtney Lanpher posted a single to right center and was joined on base by Sarah Reisler with a walk. Jenna Wike continued her offensive prowess, sending a single to center to score Lanpher. An error by the center fielder allowed Reisler to score and Wike to advance to second base. The Warriors looked to continue with Ellen Hubbard singling aboard to put runners on the corners before Hubbard stole second for two in scoring position before a strikeout closed off the chance.
• The Seahawks added runs in the third, stringing together singles before a deep single to center brought in two. A sacrifice fly scored another run before a single to left scored the ninth run of the afternoon.

 
Rapid Recap (Game Two)

• Pitchers traded outs to begin the game, with a single by each team in the second marking the only hits to open the contest. Merrimack had two baserunners in back-to-back innings, with Sydney Shimkus reaching on an error before advancing on a Madison Cerpa single in the second. In the third, Jenna Wike was hit by a pitch to move Sarah Reisler over after she singled on.
• In the bottom of the third, the Seahawks singled to right, with a runner reaching on an error to put runners on the corners. Wagner's runner at first advanced to second to put two in scoring position, with an error bringing in the first run and advancing the runners as a sacrifice fly bringing in the second of the day.
• The Warriors defense was poised in the fifth inning to keep the contest within striking distance. Twice with the bases loaded, the Warriors converted the out on a throw from third to home to keep the Seahawks from tacking on another run and leaving three aboard with a lofty fly out to center.
• Wagner added their final run of the afternoon with a two-out home run to center field to again push the Warriors to respond in the seventh.
• Merrimack tried to mount a comeback in the final inning, with Jordyn Montoya staying patient in the box for a one out walk. Nicole Koshes reached on an error at short as Montoya moved over to second, where she would be brought home on a single dropping into left for the RBI before a strikeout negated the opportunity.

 
Notes and Numbers

• Game 1: WP – Eve Harvey (5-10) | LP- Bry Michitson (3-5)
• Game 2: WP – Scarlett Lloyd (3-8) LP- Madie Fornwalt (3-5)

 
Up Next:
The Warriors and Seahawks will finish the weekend set on Sunday with first pitch on Staten Island set for 12 noon.   
--
For continuing coverage of Merrimack College Athletics, visit and follow the Warriors on Twitter and on Facebook.