Gorham, Maine--Freshman designated player Katelyn Ashe (Colchester, Conn.) went 5-for-8 with two RBI and one run scored as Rhode Island College split a doubleheader with Southern Maine (7-1, 13-9) in Little East softball action played at the USM Softball Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
 
THE BASICS
Game One: Southern Maine 7, Rhode Island College 1
Game Two: Rhode Island College 13, Southern Maine 9
Southern Maine (10-1-1)
Rhode Island College (2-7)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Game One:
• The Anchorwomen struck first in the top of the opening frame as sophomore catcher Alexis Boyce (Wolcott, Conn.) reached the plate due to a throwing error by the Huskies.
 
• The Huskies responded in the bottom of the third as they played small ball to move runners into scoring position and eventually pushed a run across to knot the score at one apiece.
 
• USM used a six-run fifth inning, highlighted by a junior third baseman Kaitlyn Nelson (Guildhail, Vt.) two-run single.
 
• USM freshman pitcher Lauren Merrill (Oxford Hills, ME) pitched a complete game, allowing one run on six hits to go along with six strikeouts, to earn her second win (2-0). RIC freshman pitcher Tatiana Burcy (Boston, Mass.) took the loss (0-3).
 
Game Two:
• The Anchorwomen offense came together in the top of the first inning as they scored 10 runs on five hits. Sophomore shortstop Alexis LeBelle (Warwick, R.I.) knocked in two with a double.
 
• RIC batters were disciplined and patient in the batter's box as they drew five walks in the opening inning. Ashe recorded a pair of singles in the top of the first that pushed across two Anchorwomen.
 
• USM was quick to respond with three runs of its own in the home half of the first inning on three hits. Freshman center fielder Hannah Shields (Buckfield, Maine) knocked in two with a double.
 
• USM pushed a pair of runs across in the bottom of the second to cut the RIC lead down to five, 10-5.
 
• In the fourth frame, the Anchorwomen added another pair of runs, on two hits and one error, to a 12-6 lead.
 
• Another strong inning by the Huskies saw the hosts score three runs in the bottom of the fourth to cut their deficit down to three runs, 12-9.
 
• RIC added one more run their lead in the top of the sixth as sophomore left fielder Shannon McDonald (Saunderstown, R.I.) scored on a wild pitch.
 
• The Anchorwomen were able to shut down USM the rest of the way to salvage the split.
 
• RIC Freshman center fielder Avery Katz (Brookfield, Conn.) swiped three bases, scored a pair of runs and knocked in one.
 
• Burcy played right field and went 2-for-3 with a pair of runs scored and a double.
 
• RIC freshman pitcher Caitlin Lopez (Cranston, R.I.) pitched a complete game to pick up her second win (2-2). USM sophomore Rona Scott (Beverly, Mass.) took the loss (0-1).
 
BY THE NUMBERS
• LeBelle went 3-for-8 on the day with three RBI and one run scored.
 
• Nelson went 5-for-8 on the day with a pair of RBI and a pair of runs scored.
 
• RIC recorded 17 hits on the day, while USM recorded 20.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will resume Little East action with a doubleheader at home vs. Eastern Connecticut on Friday, April 9 (2 p.m.).