The Oswego State softball team opened its 2015 campaign in Florida on Saturday, losing both of its contest, the first to Western New England University and the nightcap to New England College. Oswego will be back in action at 9 a.m. on Sunday as it faces SUNYAC-foe Plattsburgh to begin the conference slate.
Western New England 8, Oswego 0 (5 innings):
The Lakers struggled in the field early on, as the Golden Bears scored eight runs, all in the first two innings, while only three were earned. Oswego was charged with four errors in the mercy-rule shortened five-inning contest.
At the plate, Melanie Klauser opened her collegiate career by leading the team with two hits on three at-bats. Adding a hit apiece in the effort were Jacquie Porreca, Jessie Terrano and Justine Abramowski. Abramowski also had the Lakers' lone stolen base in the outing.
Alexandria Connelly started the game and was credited with the loss, allowing five runs (three earned runs) on five hits with a strikeout. Alexis Nasca pitched the final three innings in relief, allowing no earned runs on five hits while fanning three Western New England hitters.
New England College 5, Oswego 3:
After surrendering a run in the top of the first, Oswego responded with a run of its own. Both teams went scoreless over the next two innings before the Lakers grabbed its first lead of the day. Klauser was able to single to left field with the bases loaded, driving in Terrano.
The Pilgrims scored in the very next inning to even the game before notching three runs in their final at-bat. Oswego was able to muster a run in the bottom of the seventh, coming up just two runs short.
In her collegiate debut, Lisa O'Callaghan pitched a complete-game, throwing seven innings of four-hit ball. The junior struck out eight New England batters on the day, letting in five runs, only two of which were earned.
On offense, Klauser paced the squad again with two hits, an RBI and a run scored. Also chipping in were Erin McNeely and Ashley Lyman, both recording a hit and a run batted in. O'Callaghan had the Lakers' only extra-base hit on the day, sending a shot for a double. Katie Heselden also tallied a hit on the day.
