BOSTON, Mass. – Ten unanswered runs in game one and a complete game shutout by Brianna Melchionda in game two lifted softball to their second straight conference sweep, as they defeated Keene State College by the finals of 11-3 in six innings, and 4-0 Sunday afternoon at UMB Softball Field.

THE BASICS
UMass Boston 11, Keene State College 3 (6 innings)
UMass Boston 4, Keene State College 0

UMass Boston (14-6, 4-2 Little East Conference)
Keene State College (11-11, 1-3 Little East Conference)

HOW IT HAPPENED

In the opener, the Beacons rallied from a 3-1 deficit to plate 10-runs over the final three innings. UMB cut Keene's lead to one in the fourth on an RBI single from Sarah Harlinski. A Tam Landry two run double and Amauri English RBI single gave the Beacons a 5-3 advantage.

UMB sealed the contest in the sixth with Haley Tilberry plating a run, while Ally Diaute knocked-in the Beacons seventh run on a sac-fly. Melchionda plated the Beacons eighth run of the contest on hard hit single to left center.

With the bases loaded Britney Perket sealed the victory with a pinch hit single and throwing error by the Owls. Just looking to advance the runners, Perket laid down a perfect bunt. Keene State was unable to field the ball cleanly and in doing so threw the ball into right field. This allowed Perket to clear the bases, as well as come home to seal the victory.

Emily Doble improved to 4-2 on the campaign after going five complete innings, in which she struck out three.  Hayley Catania picked-up her first save of the year after a shutdown top of the sixth.

The nightcap, featured a solid pitcher's duel between Melchionda and Keene State's Alexis Blanchett. Other than the Beacons three-run third and a solo run in the sixth, Blanchett was solid through all six innings. She allowed the four runs, all of which were unearned, on four hits and had seven strikeouts.

Melchionda was once again a force in the circle as she allowed just two hits, while striking out 11 and only walking four. She improved to 6-2 on the year, with the shutout marking the third of the season, and second straight for the sophomore.

At the plate Melchionda gave UMB their first run of the day on a bases loaded walk. Sanden then plated a pair of runs on a single to right field. Gabriella Messier, gave the Beacons some added insurance in the sixth, following an error by the Owls.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Sunday's sweep was the first since the 2019 season for the Beacons
• The game-one win marked the first time that the Beacons have ever run ruled the Owls 
• The Beacons are now 5-2 against Keene State since April 24, 2018
• In her last two starts, Melchionda has struck out 24 and has allowed just two hits and four walks in 14 innings of work
• Sanden has recorded at-least one hit in seven of the her last eight games

WHO'S NEXT

The Beacons will travel to the University of Southern Maine on Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.