Box Score WESTFIELD, Mass.--Sophomore pitcher Lauren Zambrano threw a five-hitter and helped her own cause by going 3-for-5 at the plate with a run batted in as the Western New England softball team pounded out a season-high 15 hits in a 7-2 non-conference win Thursday at Westfield State's Alumni Field. The Golden Bears won their third-straight game to improve to 7-6 on the season, while the Owls drop to 2-7.

Sophomore second baseman Samantha Mulhern, who was 5-for-7 with 8 RBI in Tuesday's doubleheader sweep over University of New England, continued her torrid pace at the plate by going 2-for-4, including a triple, against the Owls. Sophomore catcher Grace Kucharski (2-4, 2 RBI) and senior designated hitter Laura Madaio (2-4) also had great offensive performances for the Golden Bears.

In the circle, Zambrano went the distance with five strikeouts, giving up her only earned run of the day in the sixth inning on an RBI single by Owls second baseman Breanne Bisceglia.

By the time Westfield State was finally able to string together a couple hits off Zambrano, the Owls trailed 7-0. Western New England scored one run in the first, one in the third, and one in the fourth before breaking out for three in the fifth inning; WNE scored another in the sixth.

Third baseman Kate Woishnis (2-3) was one of only four Westfield players that managed to get a hit off Zambrano, who improved to 6-2 this season.

Although the Owls struggled offensively, they were not helped by a defense that committed five errors in the contest--leading to only three of WNE's seven runs being earned.

The Golden Bears return to Springfield next week for doubleheaders against St. Joseph of Connecticut (Tuesday, 3 p.m.), Nichols (Wednesday, 3 p.m.), Trinity-Conn. (Thursday, 3 p.m.) and Salve Regina (Saturday, 12 p.m.). Westfield will remain at home to face off tomorrow against visiting Bridgewater State.