FRAMINGHAM, MA (April 1, 2025) – The UMass Boston softball team (15-1) earned a tight 4-2 victory in game one of the doubleheader against the Framingham State Rams (12-6). However, the Rams held firm to a three-run lead in game two, handing the Beacons their first loss of the season and ending the longest win streak in program history.
Game One: UMB 4 – 2 FSU
Jacqueline Cherry (Franklin, Mass.) pitched all seven innings in game one, facing 30 batters and allowing just two runs on six hits. She earned her sixth consecutive win to start the season.
Five Beacons recorded a hit in the game, including four RBIs. Ella Delisle (Amesbury, Mass.) went a perfect 3-3 at the plate and delivered the game's final RBI in the top of the sixth inning to seal the victory.
How it Happened:
-
Sofie Richland (South Burlington, Vt.) scored the opening run in the top of the first inning on a throwing error by the Rams' catcher, who attempted to throw out Haley Tilberry (Moosic, Penn.). The Rams equalized in the bottom half with an RBI single.
-
Gracie Granger (Paxton, Mass.) drove in a run with a groundout to third base, giving Mary Matthews (Wilsonville, Ore.) the chance to break the tie and put the Beacons ahead by one.
-
The Rams tied the game again in the third inning with an RBI single to left field, making it 2-2.
-
Matthews reached first on a costly error by the Rams' third baseman, allowing Natalia Fotopoulos (Arlington, Mass.) to score the go-ahead run. Delisle's third hit of the game brought in Matthews for an insurance run, giving UMass Boston the 4-2 win.
By the Numbers:
-
Matthews was 1-3 with an RBI and two runs scored.
-
Richland went 1-4 with a stolen base.
-
Granger and Tilberry each had one RBI.
-
Tilberry led the defense with a team-high seven putouts, followed by Lauren Miner (Millbury, Mass.) with four assists at third base.
Game Two: UMB 0 – 3 FSU
Bri Melchionda (Marshfield, Mass.) started on the mound in game two, striking out four batters over six innings. Despite the loss, Melchionda went 1-3 at the plate with a double, marking her 100th career hit as a Beacon. She joins teammate Richland, who surpassed 100 hits last week (March 27) against Rivier University.
The Rams scored one run in the second inning and two in the third, totaling three runs on five hits.
Melchionda, Tilberry, Delisle, and Hayley Krockta (Taunton, Mass.) each tallied a hit in the game. Tilberry led the Beacons with one stolen base.
Tilberry and Miner are each just two hits away from joining Melchionda and Richland in the 100-career-hits club, with Amauri English (North Providence, R.I.) not far behind with 92 career hits.
Who's Next:
The Beacons will remain on the road for their next game on Thursday (Apr. 3) against the Bridgewater State University Bears (8-6) at Alumni Park in Bridgewater, MA. Game one is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., with game two following at approximately 5:00 p.m., barring any schedule changes. For updates and coverage, follow along at the UMass Boston Official Athletics Website.
