BOSTON, MA (March 26, 2025) – Graduate pitchers Bri Melchionda (Marshfield, Mass.), Jacqueline Cherry (Franklin, Mass.), and first-year Izzy Levasseur (Amesbury, Mass.) combined for 15 strikeouts in 12 innings to lead UMass Boston (12-0) to a doubleheader home-opening sweep over the Emmanuel College Saints (2-16).

Melchionda led all pitchers with 12 strikeouts against 36 batters in Game 1, guiding the Beacons to victory in their first game back in Boston following a 10-0 Spring Break swing. Cherry struck out two in three innings in Game 2, as she faced 11 batters. Backed by stellar defense, the Beacons held the Saints scoreless in Game 2, marking their eighth shutout in 12 games this season.

Game One:

• After a scoreless first inning, Hayley Krockta (Taunton, Mass.) walked with one out in the second. Melchionda then hit the Beacons' second home run of the season, a deep drive over the center field fence, to score herself and Krockta, taking a 2-0 lead.

• In the third inning, Krockta singled to second base, scoring Haley Tilberry (Moosic, Penn.), who had doubled earlier in the inning, and Lauren Miner (Millbury, Mass.), who came across on an overthrow at second base.

• The Beacons added their final three runs in the third inning to take a 5-0 lead.

• The Saints scored four runs on eight hits over the next three innings, but Melchionda held strong, and the Beacons' defense helped them maintain a one-run lead in the top of the seventh inning to secure the Game 1 victory.

By the Numbers:

• Four different Beacons recorded hits in Game 1, with Melchionda leading the way with a perfect 3-for-3, three-RBI performance.

• Tilberry was 2-for-3, including a double, with one run scored.

• Krockta was 1-for-2 with one walk, two RBIs, and two runs scored.

• Miner and Krockta combined for two stolen bases, with Krockta swiping her first bag of the season.
   

  Gallery: (3-26-2025) SB vs Emmanuel Game 2

Game Two:

• Levasseur started on the mound in Game 2 for the first two innings. She struck out one while the defense recorded five outs, as she pitched a scoreless, hitless opening two frames.

• In the second inning, Melchionda singled to start the frame and was later driven in by Amauri English's (North Providence, R.I.) double to left-center field. Dual-sport first-year Mary Matthews (Wilsonville, Ore.) later stole third in a double steal with Gracie Granger (Paxton, Mass.) and scored on an overthrow by the catcher. Tilberry's one-out single through the left side scored both Granger and Sofie Richland (South Burlington, Vt.), making it 5-0. Krockta delivered an RBI single to center field, scoring Lauren Miner to extend the rally. Melchionda then stepped up to deliver a two-out RBI double to center field, scoring Krockta for the final run of the game.

• Not a single Beacon struck out at the plate in Game 2, marking the third time this season UMass Boston has displayed excellent plate discipline.

By the Numbers:

• Miner and Melchionda led seven Beacons in the hit column, each with two hits and one run scored. Melchionda finished a perfect 2-for-2 in Game 2, capping her day at 5-for-5 with four RBIs and two runs scored across both games.

• Tilberry, Krockta, and English each recorded one RBI, with English going 1-for-2 at the plate with one run scored, including a double—her team-high third of the season.

• Miner and Matthews each stole two bases, while Krockta and Granger each had one stolen base.

• Levasseur earned her second win of the season in her third appearance and second start, improving to an undefeated 2-0.

Who's Next:
The Beacons remain at home tomorrow for a doubleheader against Rivier University, with games scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Follow along for live coverage on the UMass Boston Official Athletics Website.

--FOR THE TIMES--