BOSTON, Mass.—The Keene State College softball team lost in both ends of a doubleheader, 5-0 and 5-3, to host UMass Boston in Little East Conference action at the UMB softball field.

Records

• Keene State: 5-25, 1-9 LEC
• UMass Boston: 22-8, 8-4 LEC

How it Happened

The Owls were shutout for the seventh time this season behind a complete game from UMB starter Brianna Melchionda, who struck out seven, walked none, and did not allow an extra base hit on the afternoon.

Keene State received singles from Molly Murray (the 100th of her career), Elyse Picard, Grace Wallace, Abbie Monkievicz, and Morgan Rodrigues.

UMB took a 2-0 lead with single runs in the third and fourth innings, and added three more in the fifth on an RBI double by Lauren Miner, a passed ball, and an RBI groundout. 

Lilah Demmy went the first five innings in the circle, striking out 10 and walking five, allowing six hits and five runs (just two earned).  Megan Strzegowski tossed one inning of 2-hit relief.

In game two, the Beacons took a 4-0 lead through the first four innings, but the Owls came back with a pair in the fifth to halve the deficit, scoring twice with out a hit.  Hayley Townsend was hit by a pitch, and pinch runner Callie Chordas moved to second on a wild pitch.  Strzegowski walked, and an error by the Beacons plated both runners and allowed Murray to reach.

Keene State loaded the bases on a walk to Picard and a fielder's choice, but left them full when Wallace flied out to center to end the rally.

After UMB made it 5-2 with an RBI groundout in the fifth inning, Keene State pulled one back as Picard led off the top of the seventh with a double, and moved up twice on a pair of groundouts, scoring on the second one.

"We can play with anyone," said Keene State head coach Carrah Fisk Hennessey.  "It's the inches that matter...consistency of tiny details.  Both games full of heart, better execution in Game 2, but we left the bases loaded twice in a two-run game...that's hard.  We continue to show up and work.  Looking forward to a bunch of home games to finish out the season."

Carissa Miller went the first three innings, striking out two.  Strzegowski and Demmy combined for the final three innings in relief.

Inside the Circle

• Keene State is 42-12 all-time against UMass Boston, but is 1-5 in the last six meetings.  Last season, the teams played a pair of extra inning games, splitting the season series at Owl Athletic Complex.
• Murray became the most recent member of the 100 hit club.  She is likely to move into the top 25 in school history later in her career; No.25 is currently at 114, done by Jenn Norman from 2002-05.   No. 6 on this list?  KSC Head coach Carrah Fisk Hennessey, who compiled 166 from 1996-99.

Up Next
Keene State returns home to host New England College in a non-conference doubleheader at Owl Athletic Complex on April 24 at 3 p.m.  The Beacons are in action on Thursday, hosting a doubleheader against Nichols College.