Softball sets new DI record for HR in big day at Spartan Invitational

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University softball team exploded for a NCAA Division I record-tying 10 homeruns, including a DI record seven in the bottom of the third, to take down U. of Maryland Eastern Shore, 19-6, in Game 1 before fighting off USC Upstate, 3-2, in Game 2 Saturday afternoon at the Spartan Invitational.

GAME 1

In the first leg of Saturday's double dip, Bryant put together one of the msot impressive offensive outputs in NCAA softball history, hitting a DI record seven long balls in one inning and 10 total en route to a 19-6 win over U. of Maryland Eastern Shore.

"In the first game our offense was just flat-out explosive," said Bryant head coach Shayne Lotito. "We took care of business 1-9, with Elle [Madsen] and [Hayley] Bottino going back-to-back for the second-straight game and Robyn [Ukegawa] with the first two home runs of her career. Top to bottom, we played outstanding, staying disciplined and playing our game."

Junior Elle Madsen (Wheat Ridge, Colo.) led the way for the Bulldogs (3-0) with a career-high three homers, going 3-for-4 with six RBI and four runs scored, while senior Jessica Benacquista (Belleville, N.J.), junior Hayley Bottino (Canyon Country, Calif.), and freshman Robyn Ukegawa (Carlsbad, Calif.) each sent a pair of bombs over the fence in the high-scoring affair.

After two and a half innings of play spotted the Hawks the 6-4 lead, the Black and Gold put together a historic third inning which featured 12 runs, eight hits and a record seven home runs. Benacquista and Bottino each homered twice in the inning, with Madsen, Ukegawa, and senior centerfielder Madeline Velasquez (Los Angeles, Calif.) getting in on the action as well.

In the circle, freshman Logan Paul (Shaker Heights, Ohio) made her first start as a Bulldog, allowing four earned runs on three hits in two innings of work. In relief, Bottino allowed just a single unearned run on a pair of hits in three innings to pick up her first victory of the season.

GAME 2

In Game 2 vs. USC Upstate, Madsen showed off her prowess in the pitching circle as the junior allowed just two earned runs in seven innings of work to lead the Bulldogs to a 3-2 win over the host Spartans.

"In game two, Elle did amazing job on mound," added Lotito. "She shut down a very strong hitting team, keeping them to just two runs, and even after she got hit, she finished game strong. On the offensive end, Liana [Ogata], Jess [Benacquista], [Haylee] Haas, and Robyn [Ukegawa] led the way with timely hitting, moving runners along to score runs."

After a pair of scoreless innings, the Black and Gold fired up the bats in the top of the third when Benacquista and Ukegawa strung together a pair of singles. After a Haylee Haas (Moorpark, Calif.) sacrifice bunt advanced both runners, a Liana Ogata (Tustin, Calif.) walk loaded the bases for Velasquez who capitalized on the opportunity with a two-run single to right center to put the Bulldogs up, 2-0.

Bryant added one more, taking advantage of a Spartan miscue on a Madsen infield strike, taking a 3-0 lead after two and a half. Madsen and the Bulldog defense took care of the rest, allowing just a single run in the sixth and seventh, respectively, to pick up the 3-2 win against a quality USC Upstate team.

The Bulldogs wrap up play at the Spartan Invitational on Sunday with a rematch vs. the Spartans at 1 p.m.