SPRINGFIELD, Mass., April 2, 2006 - Springfield College senior designated player Sarah Bagierek (Douglas, Mich.) led the Pride to a 4-3 victory over the Owls of Keene State College in a non-conference game this afternoon at Potter Field by going 2-for-3 with a double, one run scored, and an RBI.

Keene State opened the scoring in the top of the third inning with two quick runs. The Owls were able to capitalize on an SC error in the infield. Keene State sophomore Melissa Scata (Medway, Mass.) drove in the second run of the inning with a line drive up the middle. Scata led the Owls with two RBIs on the day. SC's defense was then able to settle down and double up two runners to get out of the jam.

The Pride responded in the bottom of the fourth inning with a single and three doubles en-route to plating three runs. Freshman leftfielder Kasey Calderone (Pipersville, Pa.) capped off the inning with a double to left center, scoring senior shortstop Caitlin McGaughey (South Windsor, Conn.) for the go-ahead run.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, SC senior second baseman Denise Fumicello (Brockton, Mass.) drew a walk and promptly stole second, her 17th stolen base of the year. An error by the Keene State second baseman allowed Fumicello to score the eventual game-winning run, her team-leading 24th of the season.

Keene State senior Emily Crompton (Concord, N.H.) was able to recover from being hit in the head by a pitch to score the last run of the game.

Owl pitchers Ashlee Nicholson (Swanzey, N.H.) and Erin Fuoroli (Warwick, R.I.) combined for 10 strikeouts on the day. The loss goes to Nicholson while SC’s Samantha Rhodes (Mendon, Mass.) picks up the win by pitching a complete game with four strikeouts and two walks. She improves her record to 3-1 overall on the year.

With the win, the Pride improves to 11-10 overall, while Keene State College falls to 13-4. SC will next travel to Williamstown, Mass., to take on the Ephs of Williams College in a non-conference doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon, April 5, beginning at 4:00 p.m.

published: 04/02/2006