LOWELL, Mass. -- The University of Maine softball team took the first game of the three game series with UMass Lowell, 8-5, on Friday night.
 
The River Hawks grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning. Olivia Labbe lifted a fly ball to centerfield with Abby Packard on third base. The freshman was able to score on the sacrifice fly. After two innings, Maine trailed by a run.
 
In the top of the fifth inning, Mariah Pearson tied the America East contest at one run apiece with a solo shot. The sophomore's big fly was the first of her career.
 
Sarah Ratcliffe singled up the middle in the bottom of the fifth. The single allowed Christina Rizzi to score from second base. After tying the game in the top half of the inning, Maine gave the lead right back.
 
In the top of the sixth inning, Izzy Nieblas crushed a three run home run. After the sophomore's three run blast, Mariah Pearson drove in another run. Through five and half, Maine held a 5-2 lead.
 
Jasmine Gray extended the Maine lead with a three run home run in the top of the seventh inning. After the sophomore failed to put down a bunt, she blasted the round tripper. UMass Lowell tried to mount a comeback by scoring three in their half of the seventh, but it was not enough. Maine held onto the 8-5 lead for its first conference victory of the 2021 season.
 
Notes:

• Kyleigh O'Donnell carried the load for the Black Bears on Friday evening. The senior went 7.0 innings, allowed five earned, and struck out five.
• Izzy Nieblas, Mariah Pearson, and Jasmine Gray all hit home runs during the Friday night victory. The three also combined to drive in all the RBI.

 
Next: Maine will complete the first America East series of the spring tomorrow, April 3rd. First pitch for the doubleheader is scheduled for 12:00 pm.
 
-UMaine-