The Boston University softball team must have been disappointed to fall to the University at Albany, 3-0, in the second round of the double-elimination America East Tournament early Friday afternoon. Whatever anger they had, they took out on the University of Maine later on Friday in the losers bracket at University Field in Stony Brook, N.Y.
The Terriers (31-21, 17-3 America East) exploded for 19 runs in the first four innings against the Black Bears (26-22, 13-9) en route to a 19-6 win in five innings due to the mercy rule. Sophomore first baseman Jenni Shields and senior second baseman Kristin Knesek each hit grand slams to key the BU onslaught, while Shields also added a two-run home run. Freshman first baseman Liz Alley and junior outfielder Abbey Pauley each added three RBIs.
BU broke or tied eight America East Tournament single-game records in the blowout, including runs, doubles and home runs. The 19 Terrier runs were scored on just 10 hits, thanks to four errors and eleven walks issued by Maine.
Terrier freshman pitcher Erin McDonald (11-6) earned the win, pitching 2 2/3 innings in relief of sophomore hurler Julie Henneke, who started the game with two perfect innings from the circle.
The win propelled the Terriers to the America East Championship on Saturday at noon. BU must defeat Albany twice to gain the NCAA Tournament bid after the Great Danes (34-8, 17-4) shocked the Terriers with three seventh-inning runs on Friday to break a scoreless tie.
Albany hurler Andrea Lindgren (18-4) – the America East Pitcher of the Year – recorded her second shutout in as many days. One win on Saturday would give the Great Danes the title.
Meanwhile, the Black Bears were eliminated by BU just hours after beating the University of Stony Brook to stave off elimination.
Most likely facing Lindgren, the Terrier bats must continue to produce if they hope to double up Albany and win their second straight America East Championship.
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