BEAUMONT, Texas -- The University of Maine softball team defeated the University of Rhode Island, 11-2, in five innings at the LU Softball Complex.
 
Brianna Neely singled to the left side of the infield. After she stole second and third, the freshman scored on a Maddie Decker sacrifice fly. Maine led 1-0 after their first at bat.
 
The Black Bears pushed across five runs in thanks to five hits in the top of the second. Hailey Perry, Meghan Royle, Shanna Scribner, Brianna Neely, and Grace McGouldrick all scored in the five run inning. Alyssa Derrick and Amanda Nee were credited with three RBI while two of the runs scored on errors.
 
After loading the bases in the bottom of the second inning, Sami Villarreal walked and forced Faith Musselwhite across the plate for their first run of the game. Rhode Island trailed 6-1 after two complete innings.
 
Scribner and Neely reached base in the top of the third before McGouldrick stepped into the box. The freshman worked a full count before she blasted her first career collegiate home run to left field. McGouldrick's round tripper gave Maine a 9-1 lead after the top of the third.
 
Leading off the top of the fourth inning, Perry singled to the left side. Scribner worked a full count and walked two batters later. Nee singled home Perry, while McGouldrick continued her hot day at the plate and walked home Scribner. The Black Bears led 11-1 after four.
 
URI scored their final run of the morning in the fourth when they scored a lone run. Maine held onto the 11-2 lead for their first victory of the 2019 season.
 
Notes:

• Emily Reid (no decision) received the nod for the final game of the weekend. She went 2.0 innings, allowing one earned run and striking out two. Lilly Volk (1-2), who also went 2.0, allowed only one earned run. Gabbie Siciliano (no decision) pitched the fifth, did not allow a run, and struck out one.
• Grace McGouldrick, Laurine German, and Shana Scribner all recorded two hits for the Black Bears. McGouldrick crushed her first career home run alongside four total RBI.
• Brianna Neely lined two singles, stole three bases, scored three runs, and drove home another in her second time leading off for Maine.

 
Next: The Black Bears return to the field Friday, March 1st when they travel to and take on Abilene Christian for two separate double headers. First pitch of game one on Friday is scheduled for 5:00 pm.

-UMaine-