Four-run second inning helps Bulldogs to a 4-1 victory over River Hawks, Wednesday afternoon at Conaty Park

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University softball head coach Shayne Lotito shook up the lineup against UMass Lowell on Wednesday afternoon and the dugout stepped up to the plate, helping to defeat the River Hawks, 4-1, at Conaty Park.

The Bulldogs (7-22, 5-7 NEC) warned up in the bottom of the first, as freshman Jenna Cali (Franklinville, N.J.) and classmate Maritza Martinez (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) both recorded hits but the River Hawks (10-38, 2-13 America East) escaped the inning leaving two runners on base.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Bulldogs were able to convert hits into runs, scoring four runs off four hits to take a 4-0 lead after two innings of play. With one out freshman Colby Norris (Toano, Va.) recorded her first base knock of the season in her first-ever collegiate at bat, taking first off the single up the middle.

Senior Mollie Anderson (East Greenwich, R.I.) followed up with a single to third base, before freshman Chaney Jones (Dover, Del.) was walked to load the bases. Senior Liana Ogata's (Tustin, Calif.) two RBI single through the middle plated Anderson and pinch runner junior Haylee Haas (Moorpark, Calif.) for the 2-0 Bryant advantage. A couple batters later, freshman Kaleigh Goulart (Marion, Mass.) drilled a two RBI double to right field, allowing the Bulldogs took a 4-0 lead.

In the top of the fourth, the River Hawks responded with a single run to make it 4-1. With two outs and the bases loaded, Kate Mims singled through the right side, plating Colleen Frank, before junior right fielder Mallory Harrigan (Albany, N.Y.) threw to classmate catcher Alexandra Page (Grafton, Mass.) for the tag out of Samantha McQueen at home for the final out of the inning with the score, 4-1, in Bryant's favor.

Goulart finished 2-for-3 with two RBI on the day, while Lowell's Sydney Baker finished 2-for-3, as well. Norris found her second win in the circle, allowing one run off five hits, while striking out six batters in seven innings. Lowell's Kaysee Talcik recorded the loss on the mound, letting up four runs off six hits in two innings pitched.