VESTAL, N.Y. — The UMass Lowell softball team (24–23, 11–8 AE) dropped a 6–2 decision to Binghamton (14–24, 13–5 AE) in the series opener on Friday afternoon.
Freshman Caroline Calkins (Orting, Wash.) led the River Hawks at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with an RBI, while junior Elizabeth Neeld (Huntingdon Valley, Pa.) added a hit and a run batted in.
After a quiet start through two innings, Lowell broke through in the third. Sophomore Avery Spinello-Branch (Lorton, Va.) reached and moved into scoring position before Neeld lined an RBI single to center to give the River Hawks a 1–0 edge.
The Bearcats responded in the bottom half of the fourth, using five hits—including a three-run home run—to plate five runs and take control at 5–1.
Lowell answered back in the fifth, as freshman Julia Rowley (Beacon Falls, Conn.) reached and advanced into scoring position before Calkins delivered an RBI single through the left side to cut the deficit to 5–2.
Binghamton added an insurance run in the fifth on a solo home run, extending the lead to 6–2.
The River Hawks threatened late, putting together a two-out rally in the seventh with back-to-back singles and a walk to load the bases, but were unable to capitalize as Binghamton closed out the game.
Junior Olivia DeCitise (Troy, N.Y.) went the distance in the circle, allowing six runs on seven hits while striking out five.
Lowell finished with eight hits on the day, with Calkins leading the way, while Spinello-Branch and Rowley each added a hit and scored a run.
Up Next
Due to weather, the remainder of the series has been adjusted. The River Hawks and Bearcats will now play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m., with game two to follow.
