Softball Falls to Simmons in Early Thursday Action

AUBURNDALE, Fla. - Simmons University capitalized with a two-run seventh and held on for a 4-1 victory over UMass Dartmouth in morning action on Thursday in The Spring Games. With the win, the Sharks move to 3-4, while the Corsairs are now 4-3 on the season.

Simmons got things going quickly in the top of the first inning as sophomore outfielder Raya Anderson laid down a bunt to reach, quickly advancing to second on a throwing error. Rookie utility Leah Connor then singled up the middle to drive in Anderson for the 1-0 lead.

The Corsairs countered in the bottom of the second, tying the contest at 1-all after rookie infielder RaeLynn Perregaux doubled down the left field line, getting to third on a throwing error by the Sharks' left fielder. Junior infielder Hailey Lyons flied out to right, but Perregaux scored to knot the game.

In the top of the fifth, the Sharks answered as Anderson singled up the middle. Connor followed, laying down a double to advance the runner to third. Junior outfielder Jordyn Rubin stepped up to the plate, grounding out to third, but allowing the runner to score for the 2-1 lead. 

Simmons pitching continued to dominate, holding the Corsairs off the board over the next two innings. In the Sharks' half of the seventh, back-to-back singles saw the visitors score a run, adding their fourth after rookie outfielder Teagan Buckly reached on a fielder's choice with bases loaded to drive in the run.

Perregaux singled to left to get things going in the bottom of the seventh, as Lyons reached on a fielder's choice on the next at-bat to find the Corsairs with two on. After a fly out to center, senior infielder Victoria Rossetti reached on an FC, but Perregaux was out on the play. With two outs on the board, the Sharks got the final UMD batter out swinging to end the game.

Simmons was paced by a 4-for4 effort at the plate by Connor, who added a run scored an an RBI. Anderson went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, while first baseman Shannon McMahon was 2-for-4 with a run scored. In the circle, Maddie Castigliego was outstanding, going 7.0 innings, while allowing just one run on three hits with three strikeouts and no walks.

The Corsairs saw Perregaux post a 2-for-2 effort on the day with a run scored. Lyons had an RBI, while in the circle, grad student Jill Richards went 7.0 innings, surrendering four runs on 10 hits. She struck out 12 batters.

UMass Dartmouth is back in action at 2pm on Thursday, taking on Nebraska Wesleyan.