LOWELL, Mass. – The UMass Lowell softball team (9-5) will look to keep their foot on the gas this Friday, March 11, as they get set to play in their first matchup not part of a weekend tournament. The River Hawks are set to do battle with Central Connecticut State (0-14) at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. as part of a doubleheader, initially scheduled for Saturday, that was moved due to inclement weather.
 
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Last Time Out
The River Hawks concluded their weekend in at the Spartan-Pirate Clash with two Sunday shutouts to leave Norfolk, Virginia, with a 4-1 record. After falling to Drexel, 6-3, to open the Saturday slate, the squad went on a three-game winning streak to cap off the weekend, including a pair of victories over the co-hosts Hampton.
 
To-Tulley Spectacular
Junior left-fielder Cayla Tulley (Corona, Calif.) was selected as the America East Player of the Week following an 8-for-17 weekend at the plate, which resulted in eight RBI, two home runs, and four extra base hits. She boasted a .500 on-base percentage along with a .941 slugging percentage over the course of five games, which was highlighted by a four RBI performance to help the River Hawks win their extra-inning bout with Hampton, 6-5.
 
Spotless In the Circle
Junior pitcher Ryley White (Wareham, Mass.) racked up another three victories in two starts with the trip down to the Chesapeake Bay, bringing her record to 6-0. In her 17.2 innings pitched, White surrendered just two runs to opponents for a weekend ERA of 0.79. She struck out 16 batters and held hitters to a .213 batting average.
 
Big-Fly Brenna
En route to a .316 batting average at the Spartan-Pirate Clash with five RBI, junior second-baseman Brenna Davenport (Merrimack, N.H.) hit her first two home runs of the season. She powered the River Hawk offense with a three RBI showing in the weekend finale against Hampton, resulting in a 4-0 victory. Her performance has now bumped her to second overall in batting average for the team, with a .333 success rate.
 
Steal if You Dare
Norfolk State was aggressive on the base paths against the River Hawks, attempting four steals through four innings of action. After successfully taking second on their first attempt in the opening inning, the River Hawks preceded to throw down and tag out runners on their next three attempts. Great execution by catcher Becca Vaillancourt (Tiverton, R.I.) and her supporting fielders helped to limit opposing runners in scoring position as UMass Lowell went on for the 6-2 win.
 
Scouting the Blue Devils
Central Connecticut opened their season with three invitationals, like the River Hawks and played familiar foes in Norfolk State and Hampton. While the team was picked to finish third in the NEC following voting for the preseason coaches' poll, the Blue Devils have had a difficult start to their season. Central Connecticut is winless through 14 games but will be hungry to earn their first of the year against UMass Lowell.
 
History between the programs favors the Blue Devils, as the River Hawks hold just a 1-7 record against their opponents from New Britain, dating back to 2014. The last meeting between the two ended in victory for UMass Lowell, as they won the second end of the twin bill, 3-2, on April 19, 2016.
 
The opponents have had difficulty at the plate to open the spring slate, as they hold a team batting average of .201. Leading the way on the Blue Devil offense is outfielder Kim Howard, who holds a .344 batting average in 32 plate appearances. Her patience at the plate has allowed her to draw six walks in 2022, helping her to a .462 on-base percentage. She's also a critical player when contributing to runs, knocking in six thus far for RBI.