Softball Holds on for 7-6 Victory over Brandeis

Framingham, Mass. – The Framingham State University softball team scored four runs in the fifth inning and held off a late comeback by Brandeis University as the Rams defeated the Judges 7-6 in non-conference action at Maple Street Field.

With the win, the Rams improve to 13-6 on the year, while the Judges are now 6-5.

The Rams, who were the visitors as the game was originally scheduled to be played at Bradeis today, grabbed the early lead in the top of the first inning.  Junior Dayna Marchant (East Bridgewater, Mass.) led off the game reaching base on an error and moved to second on a sacrifice fly.  After an out, sophomore Kayla Finacchiaro (Natick, Mass.) followed with an RBI double.

The Judges took the lead in the bottom of the third inning.  Sophomore Keri Lehtonen singled up the middle and scored on a double by Amanda Shore.  Shore came around to on a single by senior Madison Hunter.  The Judges loaded the bases and Taylor Simala plated a run with a walk.  Caroline Sippin reached on a fielder's choice putting Brandeis up 4-1.

The Rams pulled within a run in the top of the fourth on a two run homer to center by Finacchiaro.  Brandeis got a run back in the bottom of the frame pushing the lead back two as they capitalized on a Ram error.

In the top of the fifth, the Rams plated four runs to take the lead for good.  Junior Anna Dziok (Southampton, Mass.) plated a run with a single to center and Finacchiaro delivered a run scoring single to tie the game.  Junior Megan Downing put the Rams in the lead with a two run single.

Shore pulled the Judges back within one in the bottom of the sixth with an RBI single.  The Judges threatened in the bottom of the seventh after a leadoff double from PJ Ross.  A single from Simala put runners on the corners with one out, but the Rams were able to record the final two outs and secure the victory.

The Rams are back in action on Saturday when they host MCLA in a pair of MASCAC games beginning at 1 p.m., while Brandeis is slated to travel to Emory for a pair of UAA games on Friday beginning at 2:30 p.m.