The UMass Lowell softball team ended Saturday with a split at the NM State/UTEP Invitational in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The River Hawks secured a 10–7 comeback win over St. Thomas before falling 10–0 to Utah Valley later in the day. Their record for the weekend now stands at 1-3.
“Great first game against a tough opponent,” said head coach Jen Starek. “We used four pitchers effectively and got the bats going with a big seven-run inning that made the difference. Excited to get back at it tomorrow.”
Freshman Julia Rowley led UMass Lowell’s offense across both games, tallying five hits, including four in the opening matchup. Sophomore Avery Spinello-Branch contributed three RBIs during the win over St. Thomas, while teammates Kate Hardy, Grace Rowan, and Bergan Needles each added an RBI as part of a comeback effort that saw UMass Lowell collect 14 hits and score 10 runs on the day.
Pitcher Grace Rowan earned the victory in Game 1 after throwing three innings to keep her team within reach until their offense surged ahead. Ella Van Alstyne and Giana LaCedra combined for relief appearances before Olivia DeCitise closed out the game by recording six outs for the save.
In Game 1, St. Thomas built an early 6–0 lead through three innings before UMass Lowell responded with seven runs in the fourth inning—its largest frame of the season—to take control of the contest. The River Hawks added three more runs in the fifth inning for insurance, ultimately holding off St. Thomas for a 10–7 victory.
During Game 2 against Utah Valley, UMass Lowell was unable to generate much offense as Utah Valley scored five runs in the first inning and three more in the second to build an insurmountable lead. Rowley managed a double—Lowell’s only extra-base hit—while Emily Baumes and Caroline Calkins added singles among just three total hits for their side.
Jessika Jennings pitched two scoreless innings in relief to close out Game 2.
UMass Lowell will conclude its participation at the invitational with a matchup against UTEP scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
