SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Western New England College softball team presented coach Lori Mayhew with her 300th all-time victory after defeating visiting Fitchburg State College 8-0 Wednesday afternoon (Apr. 9) in a non-league game called after five innings because of the mercy rule.

Mayhew, a native of Westfield and a 1995 WNEC graduate, now has a 300-138-1 record in 12 seasons for a remarkable 68.5 winning percentage. One of the top players in school history, she holds the team record for career batting average (.403) and was inducted into the Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.

“It's definitely a nice feeling and good to get it out of the way,” said Mayhew. “When you have talented players dedicated to the program, it's easy to get wins. Now we need to continue to focus on the rest of our games.”

Senior designated player Steph Ganser (Fairfield, CT) walloped a three-run homer (her third of the season) to highlight a four-run third inning.

Senior third base player Meredith Pacelli (Hamden, CT) had a pair of singles, two runs, and a RBI.

Sophomore second base player Kate Post (Bridgewater, MA) and freshman first base player Trish Breault (Millville, MA) also had two hits and a RBI.

Junior pitcher Laura Bower (Hudson, MA) went four innings allowing two hits while striking out 10 and issuing only one walk in raising her record to 8-5. Senior Alex Paterson (Deep River, CT) retired all three batters in the fifth.

Fitchburg State (5-15) made four errors, which led to seven unearned runs.

Western New England College (14-9) earlier had defeated the Falcons 8-3 on March 16 at the Cusic Classic in Cape Coral, Florida.