The Boston University softball team won its third-straight game Thursday afternoon against the University of Massachusetts Lowell in a 5-1 extra-inning battle. The visiting Terriers (16-20, 2-4 Patriot League) capitalized on the River Hawks’ (8-35) mistakes and used their offensive prowess to help secure the victory.
Both teams struggled offensively in the early going, and the game was scoreless after three innings. It was not until the bottom of the fourth inning that UMass Lowell put up the game’s first run on an RBI double off the bat of freshman Sydney Barker.
The River Hawks would maintain control of the game until the final frame, when the Terriers knotted the score at one on a hard-hit ground ball by junior infielder Brittany Younan that was ruled an error.
“Early on, we didn’t capitalize on their mistakes,” said BU head coach Ashley Waters. “Eventually, we were able to. Brittany Younan hit two really hard balls that could have been hits, but regardless, it was good to score runs and capitalize on potential outs later in the game.”
The Terriers did most of their damage in the top of eighth inning. After junior catcher Gabi Martinez was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, freshman catcher/first baseman Alex Heinen was singled to spark a rally that would lead to four runs in the inning.
The game was started by senior Lauren Hynes, who has pitched in 27 of the team’s 36 games. The San Diego, California native got to the fourth inning before she was relieved by junior Makinna Akers.
Senior pitcher Melanie Russell, who started the year 0-5, has brought her record up to a respectable 5-7 following a perfect performance Thursday. The San Diego native did not allow a hit or a walk in three innings of relief action and came away with the win.
“Last year wasn’t [Russell’s] best year,” Waters said. “This year, she has battled back and forth. She wasn’t who she wanted to be in the beginning of the year. Now, though, she really has hit her stride and her groove. I’m incredibly proud of how far she has come and where she is at. The way she played today was really a blessing for us.”
Yet again, the Terrier freshmen made a significant impact. Heinen and infielder Alexa Ponce each finished with two hits on the day. Waters emphasized the value that the freshmen bring to the BU lineup.
“Our freshmen have simply done a great job transitioning.” Waters said. “Alexa Ponce swung the bat really well today. Alex Heinen has been consistently good the entire year. It’s exciting to see these young kids and their potential.”
Despite going hitless Wednesday, Martinez was able to get on base and score a run. The Weston, Florida native, who got off to a very slow start to begin the year, has found her swing in the past few games. Waters batted her cleanup today to reward the junior catcher, and said she is quite pleased with her turnaround.
“Gabi has fought her way to the top of the lineup,” Waters said. “Failure just isn’t an option for her. She is capable of big things. Where she is at right now has been earned. She’s worked incredibly hard to get herself to this point so far. She will be a mainstay in the four hole.”
While the Terriers’ win percentage remains below .500, their three wins in a row give them some confidence going into the latter half of the regular season. This momentum will be especially important going into this weekend’s Patriot League series at home against Lafayette College.
With a week’s worth of strong play behind them, Waters said she is confident that her squad is up to the challenge, especially following its versatile performance on Thursday.
“Today, we did a very good job of adjusting and found a way to come out with a solid win,” Waters said.
