Softball Blanks MCLA 4-0, Endures 7-0 Loss to Salem State

FORT MYERS, Fla.- The Eastern Nazarene softball team notched a 4-0 victory over the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and dropped a 7-0 decision to Salem State Tuesday at the Gene Cusic Classic.

With the results, the Lions reach 2-4 on the season while the Trailblazers fall to 2-5 and the Vikings improve to 3-6.

Sam Losano (Elverta, Calif.) led Eastern Nazarene's hitters with a pair of base knocks, two runs scored, one RBI and a stolen base. Cayla Clinkscale (Winchendon, Mass.) recorded one hit and one RBI on the day while Kendra Brasil (Methuen, Mass.) crossed the plate twice and added two base hits.

In Eastern Nazarene's first tilt of the day versus an in-state opponent, the Lions broke a scoreless tie in the top of the third with a pair of runs.

With two runners in scoring position, Clinkscale grounded out to drive in Brasil from third while advancing Losano. As Abigail Moore (Sheridan, Calif.) reached base on an error, Losano trotted home with Eastern Nazarene's second run of the frame.

The Lions doubled their advantage to 4-0 in the fourth, scoring twice. After Brasil laced a double to left field, Losano singled to plate the sophomore with two outs. Losano came around to score as Clinkscale got aboard on an error to cap off the scoring.

Carissa Cicolini (Methuen, Mass.) logged a complete game in the pitcher's circle for Eastern Nazarene to earn her second win of the season. The junior recorded five strikeouts and surrendered one walk in the contest.

In the Lions' second contest on the day, Salem State raced out to a quick lead with five scores in the bottom of the first frame.

The Vikings got on the board as Kristin McKenzie doubled to drive home Cara Crowley. Jenn Toussaint and Bobbie Dee Regan followed with back-to-back RBI doubles to push Salem State's lead to 3-0. Megan Haley and Jess Raymond landed consecutive run-scoring singles to cap off the first inning.

The Vikings scored twice in the sixth to stretch their advantage to 7-0. Regan scooted home on a groundout by Olivia Brothers before Rebecca Kingman slid home safely on a wild pitch.

Olivia Tovar (Coarsegold, Calif.) tossed six innings for Eastern Nazarene and registered three strikeouts.

Up next, Eastern Nazarene will enjoy a day off before returning to action to battle Olivet Nazarene and Bethany Lutheran March 13.