Softball treks to PA for big NEC weekend
Game 2
Game 2
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bryant | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 0 |
|
Saint Francis U | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
Game 1
Game 1
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bryant | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 0 |
|
Saint Francis U | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
Game 2
Game 2
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bryant | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 1 |
|
Robert Morris | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | X | 8 | 11 | 3 |
Game 1
Game 1
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bryant | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 0 |
|
Robert Morris | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 3 |
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Looking to turn things around after lopsided loss to URI on Wednesday, the Bryant University softball team will get back to its Northeast Conference slate with back-to-back doubleheaders over the weekend at Robert Morris (Friday) and Saint Francis U. (Sunday).
Bryant, who enters the weekend with a 22-16 overall record, was handed its second worst loss of the season Wednesday afternoon in Kingston, dropping an 11-3 decision thanks to a quintet of defensive miscues. Prior to Wednesday's anomaly, the usually sure-handed Bulldogs were playing arguably their best softball all season entering a loaded weekend which promises to shape the potential NEC playoff picture.
At 8-2 in the league, the Black and Gold are in the driver's seat atop the NEC standings, however there remains much to be determined. With just a one game lead over second place Central Connecticut, Bryant still has a trio of doubleheaders left on its conference slate.
On Friday, the Bulldogs will faceoff with perennial contender Robert Morris in Moon Township, Pa. The Colonials, who have hosted the last three NEC Softball Championships, are off to a sluggish start to league play, posting just a 3-5 mark (sixth place) in eight games this season.
Led by two-time NEC Pitcher of the Year Nicole Sleith, Robert Morris is holding teams to just under two runs per game (1.89), third best in the conference. Sleith, a junior, has posted a 1.20 ERA (2nd in NEC) with 152 strikeouts in 139.2 innings, while senior Geena Badolato boasts a 2.33 ERA in 93 total innings. At the dish, junior outfielder Tess Apke leads her team with a .364 average (t-3rd in NEC) to go along with 44 hits (2nd in NEC), six homeruns, 21 RBI and 21 runs scored. Last season, the Bulldogs split the doubleheader vs. the Colonials, scoring a dramatic eighth inning walkoff win in Game 1, before narrowly dropping Game 2, 4-3.
After the doubleheader with RMU, Bryant will venture to Loretto, Pa., for a double dip with Saint Francis U., Saturday afternoon. After opening league play with three-straight wins, the Red Flash have dropped their last three, currently sitting in fifth place, though only playing six games due to postponements. Senior Chelsy Cosentino leads SFU offensively with a .362 average (6th in NEC) on 34 hits, seven doubles and 15 RBI. Freshman Alexis Bower has put together a tremendous freshman campaign, hitting .320 while leading the team in homeruns (6), RBI (31, tops in NEC), and total bases (56). Bower has also been fantastic in the circle, posting a 2.60 ERA and a 12-7 record in 19 starts and 105 innings. Last season, the Bulldogs split the doubleheader with Saint Francis U., dropping Game 1, before responding with a triumphant 9-2 Game 2 win behind three hits and five RBI from Elle Madsen (Wheat Ridge, Colo.).
For all the latest news on the Bryant University softball team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.