Providence, R.I.—Freshman pitcher Mia Crudale (Cranston, R.I.) fired a four-hit complete game shutout as Rhode Island College downed UMass Boston, 4-0, to salvage a split in the nightcap of the Little East opener for both clubs at the Dayna A. Bazar Softball Complex on Monday evening.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 4, UMass Boston 0
Rhode Island College (13-5, 1-1 LEC)
UMass Boston (8-4, 1-1 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Anchorwomen got going in the bottom half of the first as junior left fielder Melanie Earley (Lumberton, N.J.) flew out, which brought senior second baseman Noelle Simmons (Goffstown, N.H.) in to score for what proved to be the game-deciding score.
 
• It was a defensive battle the whole way as the Beacons kept fielding baserunners, only to be stymied by Crudale and the RIC defense.
 
• Senior center fielder Sophia Crudale (Cranston, R.I.) was huge for the Anchorwomen as she made an all-out diving catch to stop a run in the top of the sixth.
 
• RIC would go on to add some insurance runs in the bottom half of the sixth as sophomore third baseman Gabrielle Sweeney (Shirley, Mass.) walked with the bases loaded, bringing in one of three runs in the frame.

• Crudale stayed undefeated and earned the win (7-0).
 
• Sophomore first baseman Jillian Guilfoyle (Derby, Conn.) went 3-for-3 with a run scored.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will play a doubleheader at Johnson and Wales on Tuesday, March 31 (4 p.m.).