The top seeded Husson University Eagles softball team opened up the North Atlantic Conference Tournament Friday morning at home on O’Keefe Field.
In the tournament opener, Husson was blanked by #4 seed Thomas 2-0, on the strength of two fifth inning runs and a four hit shutout from pitcher Katlyn Coulter.
For Thomas, Lexi Colpacks RBI single and Anna Pilrainens RBI double in inning number five was all the Terriers needed. Coulter (12-3) allowed four hits, with three strikeouts, and no walks in the 7.0 inning effort to pick up the win.
Bri Brochu had three of the Eagles four hits in the game. Jen Jones (12-7) took the loss in the circle, allowing two runs, six hits, one walk, and four strikeouts in 7.0 innings. Thomas would move on to the winners bracket, while Husson would face an elimination game later Friday in the double elimination format.
In an elimination game, Husson would avoid being knocked out in the first day by sending #3 Castleton home with a 4-0 win.
Olivia Smith, Morgan Coleman, and Tamara Aunchman had RBI, and Brochu had two more hits.
Jen Jones (13-7) got the win in the circle, allowing no runs, three hits, two walks, with 11 strikeouts in 7.0 innings.
Calli Van Gorden had two hits for the Spartans. Taylor Paquette (8-12) took the loss in the circle, allowing four runs, four hits, two walks, with five strikeouts in 7.0 innings. Castleton finishes their season at 11-17.
Husson (18-13) will play the New England College-Thomas loser in another elimination game Saturday at 12 pm.
