Cochrane Excels as Softball Swept

Cochrane Excels as Softball Swept

LONGMEADOW, Mass. – Massachusetts Maritime Academy's softball field still lies under heavy snow, but the Buccaneers finally got in their first doubleheader of the year. The Blue-and-Gold were scheduled to play Bay Path University at home, but instead travelled to the Springfield area, where they were swept by the Wildcats, 9-0 and 3-0.

In the opener, Bay Path's Felicia Gaillardetz was impressive, striking out seven over five shutout frames for the win. Only three Bucs could muster hits, as Melissa Cochrane, Kaylene Murphy, and Kristin Arthur all stroked safeties in the loss.

Jenna Nalette (0-1) struggled with her control as the first hurler for Head Coach Kathleen L'Abbe. The sophomore gave up only one earned run in 3 1/3 frames, but allowed six walks, four hits, and five total runs, striking out one. Senior Carli Thomas finished off the final 1 2/3 frames.

The second half of the twinbill was a pitchers' duel, as Cochrane took to the bump and looked superb, allowing a single unearned run through the first four frames before the 'Cats finally scratched together a two-run rally on a two-out error in the fifth. Only in her second year, Cochrane (0-1) did not issue a free pass and struck out four in seven innings.

Meanwhile, the Wildcats' Kayla Vance tossed a four-hit shutout, surrendering four hits and four walks over seven frames. Vance sent down four Bucs on strikes. She was backed by Lauren Vallee, who 5-for-6 on the day with a double, a base on balls, and two stolen bases.

Cochrane, Murphy, Rachel Gardner, and Savannah Leite hit safely for Maritime, with Cochrane adding a stolen base and Murphy and Gardner walks.

Bay Path improved to 7-7, while L'Abbe will have most of the week to recover and prepare for the Buccaneers' first conference set of the year at Fitchburg State. The games are on Friday at 2 and 4 p.m.

In the meantime, stay tuned to www.mmabucs.com for all the latest Buccaneer news.

Gabriel Fidler, Sports Information Associate