The University of Maine softball team would split an America East doubleheader with Albany on Friday in their home openers at the newly renovated Kessock Field in Orono.
Game 1 (8 innings)- In a back and forth tilt, Kelby Drews nailed a two out RBI single in extra innings to rally Maine to a 7-6 victory. Drews hit a solo homerun to tie it 1-1 in the fourth, and then the Black Bears took a 3-1 lead in the same inning on RBI hits from Katie Jo Moery and Anna Margetis. Jordan Nastos put Albany back in front 4-3 with an RBI single in the sixth, but Mariah Pearson sent it to an extra frame with a two out RBI single in the bottom of the seventh. Nastos put the Great Danes in front once again 6-4 with a two-run single in the top of the eighth inning, but Maine came through in their at bat in the bottom half that ended the game. Grace McGouldrick led off with a single, Moery reached on an error, and Margetis also reached on an error that scored McGouldrick. Gabby Pupushka pinch hit and fouled out to the third baseman, before Jasmine Gray grounded out to tie it. Drews then won it with her single. McGouldrick had four hits, and Drews and Pearson had three each in the win. Alysen Rieth (4-4) won in relief of Caitlyn Fallon in the circle for the Black Bears.
Game 2 (six innings- mercy rule)- Albany gained the split by rolling to an 8-0 win. Kate Powers (3-0) won in the circle with a six inning no-hitter, walking two and striking out three. The guests got all they needed on an Morgan Petty first inning RBI triple, as they scored three times in their first at bat. Maddi Petrella had two hits and three RBI, including a two-run homerun for the Great Danes (10-9, 3-1 America East). Alexandra Gruitch (0-7) took the pitching loss for Maine allowing five runs (three earned) on six hits with two walks in 3.1 innings. The Black Bears fall to 8-21, 1-3 in conference play and will return to action next Saturday with a doubleheader on the road at Bryant.
Recaps and photos by Chris Lessner
