Falcons Take Two From Raiders

Lambert launches two home runs and drives in seven

Nashua, N.H. – The Fitchburg State University softball team picked up a sweep over the Raiders of Rivier University, 11-2/7-0 in non-conference action this evening at the Raider Diamond. 

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 11, Rivier 2 (Game One)

Score: Fitchburg State 7, Rivier 0 (Game Two)

Records: Fitchburg State (13-17) | Rivier (11-25)

How It Happened

Game One

Fitchburg State opened the scoring in the top of the third, scoring a pair of runs on a fielding miscue for the 2-0 margin before Rivier knotted the score (2-2) in the bottom half of the frame as junior Jess Silva (Tewksbury, Mass.) connected on a two-run single up the middle to plate sophomores Kasey Smith (Hopkinton, N.H.) and Kendell Liggett (Litchfield, N.H.).

The Falcons regained the lead in the top of the fourth when sophomore McKenzie Lambert (Wilbraham, Mass.) blasted a two-run home run over the center field fence to make the score 4-2. The Green and Gold upped its advantage in the following stanza, crossing the plate seven time in the inning with Lambert and junior Melissa DiPhilippo (Norfolk, Mass.) ignited the offense as the duo drove in two runs each with doubles, while fellow junior Hayley McCarthy (Lawrence, Mass.) added an RBI single, resulting in the 11-2 final.

Game Two

Fitchburg State grabbed a 3-0 edge in the top of the third as Lambert blasted her team-leading fourth home run to left field before DiPhilippo stole home, while McCarthy added a run scoring single that scored freshman Cammi Sperling (Rutland, Mass.).

The Green and Gold extended its lead (6-0) in the top of the sixth when newcomer Taylor Colvin (Lancaster, Mass.) brought home sophomore Emma Campbell (Goffstown, N.H.) before Lambert laced a two-run single through the right side that plated juniors Samantha Woodman (Essex, Mass.) and Maddie Medina (Pelham, N.H.), en-route to a 7-0 game two victory.

Inside the Numbers

14th meeting between the two teams on the softball field with the Falcons currently 12-2-0 all-time when taking on the Raiders.

Fitchburg State has won the last 12 contests against Rivier University, including a 7-0 decision in the last meeting on March 10, 2014 in Clermont, Fla. Former Falcon pitcher and current assistant coach Kerry Alcott paced the Falcons, going 1-for-2 with a double, one run scored and three RBI.

Lambert led the way for Fitchburg State, going 4-for-6 with a double, two home runs, three runs scored and seven RBI, while DiPhilippo added five hits, including a double, three runs scored and two RBI.

For Rivier, Silva had one hit and two RBI, while junior Mikayla Ramsdell (Salem, N.H.) chipped in with two hits.

In the circle, Colvin and sophomore Mikayla Harnois (Attleboro, Mass.) were stellar for the Green and Gold, combining to allow two earned runs on eight hits and 16 K's, while freshman Kellie Kennedy (Hudson, N.H.) pitched well for the host, giving up three runs (2 earned) on four hits and three strikeouts in four innings of work.

Up Next

Falcons travel to Framingham State on Saturday to take on the Rams for a MASCAC twin-billing, starting at 1:00 PM. Raiders will visit Simmons on Friday as they battle the Sharks for a GNAC double-header at 5:00 PM.