LOWELL, Mass. — The UMass Lowell softball team (16-15) used a dominant first inning and consistent offensive pressure to take down Sacred Heart (13-18), 14-3, in five innings on Tuesday afternoon at River View Field.

Freshman Ella Van Alstyne (Beacon Falls, Conn.) led the way with a strong all-around performance, going 1-for-3 with three runs scored, two RBI and two stolen bases, while also earning the win in the circle. She allowed just three runs on four hits with six strikeouts across five innings. 

At the plate, the River Hawks saw production throughout the lineup. Sophomore Madi Wade (Hagerstown, Md.) finished a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBI and two walks, while junior Isabel Quintanilla (Puyallup, Wash.) drove in a game-high three runs. Sophomore Avery Spinello-Branch (Lorton, Va.) added a 3-for-3 effort with two RBI and two runs scored, and junior Elizabeth Neeld (Huntingdon Valley, Pa.) chipped in two hits, two runs and an RBI. 

UMass Lowell wasted no time taking control, erupting for seven runs in the bottom of the first inning. After loading the bases early, Quintanilla brought in the game's first run with a walk before junior Kate Hardy (Alexandria, Va.) followed with a two-RBI single. Neeld and freshman Julia Rowley (Beacon Falls, Conn.) each drove in runs, and Spinello-Branch capped the inning with a two-RBI single to make it 7-0. 

Sacred Heart got on the board in the third with an RBI double, but the River Hawks quickly answered. Van Alstyne delivered an RBI single before Quintanilla added a two-run knock to extend the lead to 10-1 through three innings. 

The Pioneers briefly cut into the deficit with a pair of solo home runs in the fourth, but UMass Lowell responded once again in the bottom half. An RBI single from junior Olivia DeCitise (Troy, N.Y.) and a two-run hit by Wade highlighted a four-run frame that pushed the advantage to 14-3. 

Van Alstyne closed out the game in the fifth, stranding two runners to secure the run-rule victory. 

The River Hawks totaled 12 hits and drew seven walks in the win, marking one of their most complete offensive performances of the season. 

Up Next
UMass Lowell returns to conference play this weekend with a home series against Bryant, beginning Friday.