The UMass Lowell softball team split a doubleheader against Rhode Island on Apr. 7, dropping the first game 11-3 in six innings before securing a 2-0 shutout victory in the second contest.
The results mark an even day for the River Hawks, who now stand at 18-18 overall and 5-4 in America East play. The split allowed the team to give different players experience and highlighted strong performances both on the mound and at the plate.
“It was a good day to get some different players experience,” head coach Jen Starek said. “Gianna did a solid job on the mound, and our bats were much better in game two.”
In game one, UMass Lowell took an early lead with three runs in the second inning but saw Rhode Island respond by tying it up in the third before pulling ahead and scoring seven runs in the sixth to end it early. Senior Katelyn Fitzgerald led Lowell’s offense with two hits and two runs batted in.
Game two featured senior Giana LaCedra pitching a complete-game shutout with six strikeouts over seven innings. Sophomore Madi Wade contributed offensively with two hits including a double and an RBI, while freshman Ella Van Alstyne added two hits and drove in another run as part of Lowell’s fourth-inning rally that provided all needed support for LaCedra.
Looking ahead, UMass Lowell will travel to Orono, Maine this weekend for an America East series against Maine.
