Box Score 1 | Box Score 2
SPRINGFIELD, Mass.—The Golden Bears of Western New England proved too much for Gordon Softball, sweeping a doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon. Western New England took the first game 5-0—holding the Scots to only four hits—before powering its way to a 7-1 triumph in the second contest.
 
Western New England's pitching was at the forefront of the Scots' issues from the very beginning. The Scots struggled to make consistent contact against WNE starter, Lauren Zambrano, who pitched four innings and struck out six batters to get the victory.
 
The Golden Bears took an early three-run lead in the bottom of the first on a double by third baseman Katie Eckert with the bases loaded. Two batters later, Gabby Lavinio singled into the gap to drive home Emily Mastropaolo. In the second inning, Corianna DeLisi singled to lead off the inning and eventually scored on a passed ball later in the frame.
 
Gordon's best chance to find an equalizer was in the top of the fourth inning when Kara Pepper (Wyckoff, N.J.) singled and Stephanie Zaloom (Albany, N.Y.) walked with two outs. Zambrano got Kiersten Bieren (Groton, Mass.) to strike out looking to end the threat.
 
Western New England added another run in the bottom half of the inning and took control of the 5-0 win.
 
The Golden Bears struck first in game two as well, scoring a run on an error in the bottom of the first inning. The fortunes temporarily shifted into the Scots' favor when Gabriel Roberts (Center Conway, N.H.) laid down a perfect sacrifice to plate Bieren.
 
However, Western New England would score six straight runs, including a five-run sixth, to end the Scots' hopes to splitting the doubleheader. Pepper collected two hits on the day to lead the Scots' offense.
 
Gordon (5-13) is back at the ballpark tomorrow morning when they travel to CCC foe Eastern Nazarene for an 11 a.m. first pitch.