Providence, R.I.--Senior designated player Katrina Kazen (Warwick, R.I.) registered five hits as the Rhode Island College softball team opened Little East play with a doubleheader sweep over UMass Boston (8-0; 6-3) at the Dayna A. Bazar Softball Complex on Saturday afternoon.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 8, 6; UMass Boston 0, 3
Rhode Island College (6-4, 2-0 LEC)
UMass Boston (10-6, 0-2 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
GAME ONE
• In the second inning, freshman pitcher Abby Kidd (Granby, Conn.) hit a sacrifice fly to score the first run of the game.
 
• In the third inning, Kazen was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to put the hosts up by a pair, 2-0.
 
• A pitching duel ensued until the bottom of the fifth inning, where RIC capitalized on a Beacon error and pushed across six runs to win the game via the eight-run rule.
 
• Kidd went the full five innings, picking up the win (3-3), while striking out eight and allowing only three base runners.
 
• UMB sophomore pitcher Brianna Melchionda (Marshfield, Mass.) took the loss (4-2).
 
GAME TWO
• With RIC up, 1-0, in the fourth inning, junior catcher Alexis Boyce (Wolcott, Conn.) hit a homer (2) over the right field fence to elevate RIC's lead to three runs. The hosts would tack on another run before the inning ended to go up, 4-0, over the visitors.
 
• The Beacons showed life in the bottom of the inning with a three-run effort, which was highlighted by a two-run double from junior shortstop Sydney Sanden (Riverton, Conn.). Kidd would enter in relief with two outs in the inning and get a huge strikeout to leave runners stranded and keep the Anchorwomen's lead intact.
 
• Kidd would silence the Beacons' bats, while the lineup added a few insurance runs, as she closed out the win for her first collegiate save.
 
• RIC sophomore pitcher Tatiana Burcy (Boston, Mass.) notched her third win (3-1), while UMB sophomore pitcher Emily Doble (Danvers, Mass.) was tabbed with the loss (2-2).
 
BY THE NUMBERS
• Kazen was a perfect 5-for-5 on the day, with a run scored, two RBI and two doubles.
 
• Freshman right fielder Paige Jones (New Hyde Park, N.Y.) went 5-for-6 with two RBI and three runs scored.
 
 WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East play at Southern Maine on Tuesday, April 5 (3 p.m.).