The Boston University softball team split a doubleheader against Harvard University this weekend, ending their fall season with a record of 4-1. The Terriers were shut out by the Crimson 2-0 in the first game before the offense exploded for eight runs in their 8-2 victory in the second game. Friday’s game against Boston College was rained out.
The Terriers lost their first fall exhibition game to the reigning runner-up in the Ivy League after an offensive struggle. The Crimson finished with a record of 27-23 last year, including two losses to the Terriers. The Terrier offense could not manage much offense in the first game, despite averaging six runs per game last season.
BU came back in the second game firing on all cylinders, however. The Terriers tallied at least one run every inning in their rout of the Crimson and kept up their consistent pitching effort, only allowing two runs.
One of the primary contributors to the BU offense was sophomore infielder Chelsea Kehr, who drove in a couple of runs in the second game.
“[Kehr] is coming off the ACL injury and missed the whole year,” said BU coach Sean Rychcik. “She still has a way to go, but she gained confidence and we had a chance to work with her swing.”
BU’s pitching has been very strong the first few weeks, allowing only seven runs in five games. The most runs they have allowed in a game this fall was three to Providence College last Sunday, but those were the only runs allowed by the staff in three games that weekend.
“We did a real good job keeping the ball in play and not letting up walks,” Rychcik said. “Our four pitchers have given the offense an opportunity to win every game.”
With the fall exhibition season over, the Terriers look forward to the spring, when the real games start. The team used its 25 practice days in the fall to get a glimpse at what the team might look like in the fall. With four wins in five games, there are definitely things to be excited about.
“It is fall and it’s nice to play, but we still have some injuries to take care of in all parts of the lineup,” Rychcik said.
“Those players will all have to earn their spots back, work hard and they’ll give us the depth and add to what we have in our lineup.”
The team’s new freshmen also got their first playing time and have looked impressive, according to Rychcik.
“Everybody had a moment or two during the games and practices where they really stood out,” Rychcik said. “It starts with the freshmen. I wanted to put a little pressure on them to see what they could do. It was good to see them respond.”
However, the two most reliable players for the Terriers this fall were junior second baseman Erica Cassaci and All-American outfielder April Setterlund. These two look to be the backbone of a strong Terrier offense.
“[Setterlund] is off to a good start, and [Casacci] did a good job leading off for us,” Rychcik said. “It’s going to be a team type effort where everyone contributes this year.”
The offseason workouts will start now for BU softball, as the team will work to keep in shape and recover from injuries by the spring. The way this team played this fall, a third consecutive America East title seems within reach.
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