Box Score (PDF) | Highlights

LOWELL, Mass. – The UMass Lowell softball team (16-29, 5-11) fell, 7-2, at the hands of America East Conference opponent Albany (25-14, 8-4) in their final league game of the season on Sunday afternoon.
 
The River Hawks celebrated Senior Day with a special pre-game ceremony to recognize the graduating class made up of Daniele Crutcher (Londonderry, N.H.), Ariana Darcy (Kingston, N.Y.), Ally Greene (Tewksbury, Mass.), Abby Jamieson (Billerica, Mass.), Melissa King (Stamford, Conn.), Courtney Lanfranchi (Burlington, Mass.) and Brianna Martin (Methuen, Mass.)
 
"I thought we came out a little bit better yesterday, but that's the way it is," said Head Coach Danielle Henderson. "Every day is a new day. Some people had good at-bats. We just needed to string a few of them together. I thought early on, we were going to be right on them. We got their first pitcher out of the game, which was a plus, but then the bats got a little quiet."
 
Three different River Hawks logged one hit apiece, while Greene and sophomore Alisha Welch (Langley, British Columbia) scored one run each. Sophomore Erica Armenti (Shrewsbury, Mass.) and Lanfranchi split time in the circle.
 
Albany was quick to pull ahead, as Elizabeth Snow connected for a two-run home run in the top of the first.The River Hawks chipped away at the difference in their first trip to the plate, though. Greene got things started with a two-bagger to right center before scoring on base hit by freshman Vanessa Cooper (Pleasant Gap, Pa.) to left field to make the score 2-1.
 
In the second, UMass Lowell put together a well-executed, 7-4-5 relay to cut down an Albany runner trying to extend a double into a triple. However, the visitors were able to regain a two-run advantage in the same at-bat, when Jess Tate sent a long ball over the fence in center field.
 
Welch, who led off the home half of the second with a single down the left field line, would score on a pass ball, cutting the deficit to 3-2. The squad continued to pressure with walks from junior Alyssa Zinkiewicz (Massapequa, N.Y.) and sophomore Tori Alcorn (Lowell, Mass.), but both were stranded in scoring position.
 
The Great Danes threatened in the top of the third, loading the bases with two outs, but Martin made a catch in foul territory outside of the right field line to extinguish the opportunity.
 
In the fourth, Albany was able to rally for four runs and pull away, 7-2, thanks to back-to-back doubles by Marlin Solano and Maggie Cocks, and a RBI single by Kelly Costello.
 
Neither side was able to make noise in final three innings, allowing the visitors to seal the 7-2 outcome.
 
The River Hawks will play their final home game of the season on Tuesday, April 28 when they welcome Holy Cross to River View Field for a 4 p.m. tilt.