CLERMONT, FL - Freshman shortstop Taryn Asta (Marshfield, MA) went 4-4 with three runs batted in and two runs scored to lead a balanced University of Massachusetts Boston attack in the Beacons' 16-1 victory over Franciscan University this afternoon at Hancock Park in Clermont, FL. With the win, Beacons improve to 3-3 on the year, while the loss drops the Lady Barons to 1-6.

In the first inning, UMass Boston jumped out to a 3-0 lead and never looked back. Freshman catcher Sue Killilea (Abington, MA) and Asta each knocked home runs with RBI singles to get things started for the Beacons.

Franciscan plated its lone run of the afternoon in the top of the second inning when sophomore right fielder Claire Salitsky (Carbondale, PA) drew a bases loaded walk to force in senior catcher Katie Quitney (New Orleans, LA), who led off the inning by reaching base after being hit by a pitch.

The Lady Barons could not quiet the UMass Boston bats in the bottom of the second as the Beacons sent 11 batters to the plate, scoring six runs in the frame on five hits to take a 9-1 advantage. Freshman third baseman Kasey O'Connell (Qunicy, MA) connected on a two-run double, while Asta and senior second baseman Maria Nasta (Andover, MA) picked up RBI singles in the inning.

The Beacons were not done scoring as sophomore first baseman Lisa Polsonetti (Revere, MA) belted an RBI double, while O'Connell picked up another RBI on a single to pace UMass Boston in the third inning that featured four more UMass Boston runs, making it a 13-1 contest.

UMass Boston scored its final three runs of the afternoon in the bottom of the fourth as Asta collected her fourth hit of the afternoon, an RBI single to drive in Nasta. Nasta finished the contest going 3-4 with three runs scored and an RBI, while Killilea ended the game going 1-2 with three runs scored and run batted in.

For Franciscan, senior third baseman Krista Bertke (New Bermen, OH) led the way going 1-2 at the plate with a sacrifice, while reaching base twice.

UMass Boston sophomore starting pitcher Kara Willis (Burrilliville, RI) was very efficient, needing only 45 pitches to pick up the win for the Beacons. Willis allowed one run on four hits while striking out three in the victory. Franciscan freshman pitcher Shelbi Linscomb (Lake Jackson, TX) took the loss, lasting only two-thirds of an inning, allowing three runs on two hits before being relieved.