Springfield, Mass. (April 3, 2021) – The Western New England University softball team defeated Salve Regina 7-4 and 4-3 in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) action on Saturday afternoon at Golden Bear Softball Park.

Game 1: Western New England 7, Salve Regina 4

Junior Dina DiBlasio led the Golden Bears with three hits, including one double, with one run batted in. Sophomore Lexie Hemstock and sophomore Paige Baca each had two hits while Baca also had two runs batted in. First-year Kayli Rosenkrans pitched a complete game with three strikeouts. 

Junior Nikki Vanelli went 4-5 for the Seahawks. Junior Lauren Packer had three hits while freshman Maddie Capetta had two hits with two runs batted in.

With the score at 2-1 in favor of Salve Regina going into the bottom of the second, the Golden Bears took full advantage of a bases loaded opportunity. Western New England scored on three straight plays, culminating with a two-run double from Baca to take a 5-2 lead.

With the score at 5-4 in the bottom of the fifth inning, DiBlasio and sophomore Kailey Carrano drove in runs on consecutive plays to push the lead back up to 3.
 

Game 2: Western New England 4, Salve Regina 3

Carrano led the Golden Bears with two hits. Sophomore Ines Baez Flores had two runs batted in. Sophomore Megan Beebe went the distance while striking out three. 

Vanelli had three hits for Salve Regina while freshman Christina Braid had two hits.

The Golden Bears broke the deadlock in the bottom of the fifth inning when first-year Taylor Keegan scored on a throwing error. The Seahawks scored three runs in the next inning to take a 3-1 lead. Western New England responded in the bottom of the sixth inning with three more runs of their own, including a crucial double from Baez Flores to take a 4-3 lead.

Up Next
Western New England (2-2) travels to Salve Regina for a doubleheader on Wednesday.