Willimantic, Conn. (May 7, 2025) – Hayley Krockta delivered a clutch two-RBI single in the fifth inning to lead the Beacons past Western Connecticut, 2-1, in Game 1 of the Little East Conference (LEC) Tournament on Wednesday afternoon.
How It Happened
The Beacons set the tone early with a heads-up defensive sequence in the first inning. After a leadoff error and a stolen base put a WestConn runner on third with no outs, the Beacons shut the door. Bri Melchionda (Marshfield, Mass.) fielded a sharp grounder and tossed it to catcher Ella Delisle (Amesbury, Mass.), who tagged out the runner at home. Seconds later, UMass Boston turned a double play to escape the jam and keep the Wolves off the board.
Western Connecticut managed to sneak a run across in the third after a pair of walks and an RBI single from Tucci, but Melchionda responded with back-to-back strikeouts, halting any momentum.
The Beacons' offense was quiet through the first four innings but came alive when it mattered most. Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the fifth, UMass Boston mounted a two-out rally. Haley Tilberry (Moosic, Pa.) was hit by a pitch, joining Sofie Richland (South Burlington, Vt.) on base, and Bri Melchionda drew a walk to load the bases. That's when Hayley Krockta (Taunton, Mass.) delivered the moment of the game—ripping a single to right-center that brought home two runs and gave the Beacons the lead for good.
UMass Boston's defense and Melchionda's steady hand in the circle sealed the deal over the final two innings, securing a big Game 1 victory.
Inside the Box Score
Up Next
The Beacons continue LEC Tournament action on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. when they face host Eastern Connecticut.
Streaming Information
The 2025 LEC Championship Tournament is available via paid streaming:
