LOWELL, Mass. -- The University of Maine softball team defeated the University of Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks, 9-4, in game number one, while falling, 13-7, in game number two on Wednesday afternoon at River View Field.

Game One - Maine: 9 UMass Lowell: 4
In the top of the first inning, the Black Bears scored three runs. Kelby Drews lifted a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded that scored Grace McGouldrick from third. Izzy Nieblas executed a perfect bunt that was thrown away by the River Hawks. Kya Enos and Katie Jo Moery came around to score on the error. UMass Lowell got one back in the bottom of the first, but Maine held a 3-1 lead after the first inning.
 
The Black Bears posted six runs in the top of the fifth inning. An error, a one-run single, a two-run single, and a two-run double equaled the six runs for Maine. 11 batters stepped in the box during the offensive explosion for the Black Bears. The River Hawks scored one run in the bottom of the fifth which took off the mercy rule. After five complete innings, Maine led 9-2.
 
UMass Lowell scored two in the bottom of the seventh but it was as close as they would get. Maine held onto a 9-4 advantage to take game one of the doubleheader.
 
Notes:

• Emily Reid (3-10) went the distance in game number one. The senior allowed four earned and struck out four in her complete game.
• Gabby Papushka, Keely Clark, and Kelby Drews all drove in two runs during the victory.

Maine: 7 UMass Lowell: 13
The River Hawks scored nine runs in the bottom of the first inning. They recorded six hits and four walks during the offensive output. After six total outs, Maine trailed 9-0.
 
The Black Bears chipped away over the next two innings. Maine posted four runs in the top of the second inning, aided by a solo shot from Kya Enos. Kelby Drews launched a solo shot in the top of the third inning. The deficit was only four after three innings.
 
UMass Lowell led 12-5 after three complete innings after posting three runs in their half of the third inning. Katie Jo Moery singled home a runner before Kelby Drews blasted another home run. Unfortunately, it was as close as the Black Bears would get as they dropped game number two, 13-7.
 
Notes:

• Gabbie Siciliano (2-6) and Caitlyn Fallon went 6.0 innings for Maine. They allowed all 13 runs and struck out three.
• Kelby Drews hit two home runs while Kya Enos launched one off her own. Grace McGouldrick recorded a two-run triple in the loss.

 
Next: The Black Bears have the weekend off before they head to Hartford to wrap-up the regular season. First pitch for Friday, May 6th is scheduled for 3:00 pm.
 
-UMaine-