Softball Splits Non-Conference Doubleheader at Lesley

REVERE, Mass. - The Elms College Softball team traveled to Lesley University for a non-conference doubleheader on Tuesday afternoon.

BASICS
Game 1
Score: Elms College 2 | Lesley University 3
Records: Blazers 5-30, 1-14 (GNAC) | Lynx 6-15, 1-1 (NAC)

Game 2
Score: Elms College 4 | Lesley University 0
Records: Blazers 6-30, 1-14 (GNAC) | Lynx 6-16, 1-1 (NAC)

HOW IT HAPPENED
Game 1
Following back-to-back singles by senior outfielder Kyla Cook (Taunton, Mass.) and senior infielder Katie Cosmos (Wolcott, Conn.), Elms would be the first to score after Cook would be driven in by graduate student catcher Kelsey Bennett (Granby, Mass.) in the top of the first inning. The Blazers would have sophomore pitcher/outfielder Kaelyn Zakaitis (Amherst, Mass.) in the circle, where she would pitch six innings, with five of those innings keeping Lesley scoreless. However, the Lynx offense would then score two runs in the bottom half of the inning to take the lead. For the next inning and a half, both sides would not record runs, but Elms would see a single by sophomore infielder/pitcher Jill Dykema (Preston, Conn.). But in the bottom of the third inning, Lelsey would add to their lead after driving in a run. The Blazers would score quickly thereafter, when senior outfielder Sarah Fortini (Florida, Mass.) would be driven-in by a single from first year utility player Sydney Barthel (Windsor Locks, Conn.) to bring the score to 3-2. Elms would see an additional single from Bennett, however, the Lynx would hold on to their one run lead and win the first game 3-2.

Game 2
In Game 2, Dykema would take the ball for the Blazers, pitching seven shutout innings, with six strikeouts. The first two innings would be scoreless, but Elms would see singles by Cook and Cosmos, along with three strikeouts from Dykema. In the top of the third, Zakaitis would start things off with a single, followed by sophomore utility player Amanda Raymond (Auburn, Maine) reaching base on a fielder's choice and Dykema earring walk. Then shortly thereafter, Cosmos would drive-in both Raymond and Dykema with a two-run single. Bennett would follow with a single, but the Lynx would be able to record a third out before the Blazers could add to their lead. In the top of the fourth, senior infielder Danajah Stokes (Savannah, Ga.) would record a leadoff single to start the inning for the Elms offense. Shortly thereafter, Raymond would rip a single up the middle to bring Zakaitis across the plate for their third run. In the top of the fifth inning, Cook would hit a single to center field to start the inning. She would then score after Cosmos would hit a double to right field for the Blazers fourth run of the game. The Blazers would continue to control the narrative of the contest, including singles from Zakaitis and Raymond, and they would hold on to their lead to secure the 4-0 shutout victory to split the doubleheader.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Barthel: one for three, with a run batted-in.

• Bennett: two for seven.

• Cook: three for seven, with two runs scored.

• Cosmos: four for eight, with a double and three runs batted-in.

• Dykema: one for seven, with a run scored and a walk, and would pitch seven scoreless innings with six strikeouts to earn the win.

• Fortini: 0 for six, with a run scored.

• Raymond: two for eight, with a run scored and a run batted-in.

• Stokes: one for three.

• Zakaitis: would pitch six innings, and would go two for five, with a run scored and a walk, at the plate.

UP NEXT: The Elms Softball team will conclude the 2025 season hosting Regis College on Thursday, April 24th for a conference doubleheader at 3 & 5 pm.

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