NORTH ADAMS, Mass., April 11, 2006 - Springfield College sophomore second baseman Denise Fumicello (Brockton, Mass.) went 6-for-9 in two games with four runs batted in (RBI) and three runs scored as the Pride rolled past the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) this afternoon, 10-1 and 6-1, in a non-conference doubleheader at Zavattaro Field.

In game one, SC broke the contest open with a three-run top half of the fourth inning that put the Pride up by an early 5-0 score. That would be all that sophomore right-hander Stephanie Blackman (Stamford, Conn.) would need, as she pitched a complete-game to pick up her seventh victory of the season, giving up just one run on four hits while striking out five.

Leading the offensive attack in the first game was Fumicello, going 2-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Freshman third baseman Shanda Kogut (Preston, Conn.) also went 3-for-3 in game one with an RBI and three runs scored as SC racked up 15 hits in the contest to the Trailblazers' four.

In game two it was freshman lefty Samantha Rhodes (Mendon, Mass.) who was responsible for shutting down MCLA. Rhodes won her fifth game of the year as she too pitched a complete-game, allowing just one unearned run while scattering seven hits and strikout out three as the Pride completed the sweep, 6-1.

SC's lineup produced yet another balanced attack, as the Pride totaled 12 hits in the second game, led once again by Fumicello. This time, the second baseman went a perfect 4-for-4 from the plate with another RBI and run scored. For the season, Fumicello is now hitting a sizzling .422 in 29 games with 38 hits in 90 at-bats.

Contributing in the second game was senior catcher Sarah Bagierek (Douglas, Mich.), who went 1-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Senior first baseman Keir Stanford (Melrose, Mass.) also went 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI and run scored.

With the clean sweep, the Pride improves to 14-15 overall on the season as it remains .500 (5-5) in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC). SC will next travel to Bridgewater State College tomorrow afternoon, April 12th, in another non-conference doubleheader starting at 3:30 p.m.

published: 04/12/2006