Maritime Softball Falls Despite Cochrane’s Efforts

DARTMOUTH, Mass. – Despite another first-rate performance by sophomore Melissa Cochrane, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy softball team was swept in a doubleheader by UMass-Dartmouth on Wednesday. Cochrane was outduelled in the first game by Hannah Smith and Annika Evensen, who combined for a no-hitter and a 6-0 victory. The nightcap finished in the Corsairs' favour as well, 10-2.

The hosts got off to a good start, plating three runs in the first on four one-out singles, though the Bucs' centerfielder, Kristin Arthur, saved another run with a laser to Rachel Gardner for the outfield assist. The inning ended only after a costly error to score a fourth run.

From there, Cochrane settled down and allowed only an unearned run in the third thanks to another two-out error. The right-hander finished with the complete game loss (0-2) after scattering eight hits and two walks over six frames. Three of the six runs were unearned and Cochrane struck out two.

Meanwhile, Corsair starter Hannah Smith threw three shutout frames to start, allowing only two walks, while sending four down on strikes. Annika Evensen (1-1) finished with four hitless innings, allowing no free passes and whiffing a pair. Dartmouth hitters Leah Major (2-for-3) and Cierra Sherrin (2-for-2 with a double) led the way for the hosts.

In the rubber match, the two universities were tied through three-and-one-half. UMD scored a pair in the second, while back-to-back singles by Kaylene Murphy and Madison Coughlin got the Buccaneers off to a good start in the fourth. Carli Thomas sacrificed the pair over, before Jill Corazzini bunted for a safety of her own. A fielder's choice and error scored Murphy and, an out later, a passed ball brought home Couglin.

The two runs were all for MMA and things unravelled in the bottom of the frame as the Corsairs scored two before walking off with another two runs in the bottom of the fifth.

Jenna Nalette (0-2) took the loss after throwing 3 1/3 innings, exhibiting much improved command, but was charged with six earned runs. Thomas allowed two earned runs in one inning and neither struck out a batter.

Victoria Woodward (4-1) had a good effort for UMD, allowing two unearned runs on four hits in four innings, striking out two. Kate McDonald hurled a scoreless inning with a K over her own as the squad improved to 11-5. Hannah Sullivan and Nicole McSweeney each had a brace of hits for the Corsairs.

Cochrane continued to get the job done on both sides of the ball, going 2-for-3 as Maritime's leadoff hitter, improving her season line to .400/.455/.400. The sophomore was the team's leading hitter in 2017 at .396/.408/.500, as well as its top pitcher (5.04 ERA).

Cochrane combined with Murphy and Coughlin to go 4-for-9 in the second game, but the rest of the lineup went 1-for-11 with two strikeouts. Murphy is 3-for-10 on the campaign, second on the team.

Head Coach Kathleen L'Abbe and the diamond women have a day to regroup before travelling to Fitchburg State on Friday to open MASCAC play. The twinbill begins at 3 p.m. and live stats will be available on our website. A day later, the Bucs will travel to Wentworth for a 10 a.m. doubleheader.

In the meantime, bookmark www.mmabucs.com and get the inside scoop on Facebook and Twitter @mmabuccaneers.

Gabriel Fidler, Sports Information Associate