Auburn, ME - The CM Softball team hosted the Knights of CCRI (Community College of Rhode Island) in double header action Sunday afternoon in front of a large home crowd and an 85-degree late September day.
Game 1: CCRI L, 10-8
The Mustangs started game one with sophomore, Megan Theriault (Lewiston, ME) in the circle. Theriault went 4 innings giving up 9 hits, 5 earned-run, 1 walk and adding 6 strike outs. In the 5th inning they then turned to first-year Molly Flaherty (Sabattus, ME) who pitched the last 3 innings. Flaherty allowed 7 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and 2 strikeouts.
The Mustangs offense had 14 hits in game 1. They were paced by first-year Savannah Silke (Bridgton, ME) who went 3-4 with her first career Home Run. Silke also tacked on two doubles. Theriault also went 3-4 with a double and 2 singles. Flaherty, Kiera-Caley Young (Sabattus, ME), and Haley Fernald (Bridgton, ME) added doubles as well. Abigail Hanson (Wells, ME), Maria Dostie (Lewiston, ME) and Macey Phillips (Wilton, ME) all contributed adding singles.
The Mustangs committed 4 errors in the field, and fell just short in the 7th inning while trying to make a late rally.
Game 2: CCRI W, 8-6
In game 2, the Mustangs turned to first-year Haley Fernald (Bridgton, ME) to make her first collegiate start. Fernald allowed only 5 hits, 3 unearned runs, 7 strike outs while walking 6. Replacing Fernald was Sydney Crocker (South Paris, ME) in the 6th. Crocker pitched the final 2 innings giving up 1 hit, 0 walks and 0 runs.
Game 2 saw the Mustangs jump up quick with 7-1 lead on the Knights. CCRI stormed back in the 5th scoring 5 runs, but the Mustangs were able to swat the Knights late-game rally to hold on for the win. The Mustangs had 11 hits and were paced by Kiera-Caley Young (Sabattus, ME) who went 3-4 with a Home Run and 2 singles. Macey Phillip ,(Wilton, ME) and Savannah Silke (Bridgton, ME) both added triples. Abigail Hanson (Wells, Me) added a double, while Molly Flaherty (Sabattus, ME), Abby Ferland (Monmouth ME), Megan Theriault (Lewiston, ME) and Shelby Lafrinea (Poland, ME) all added singles.
After the game Head Coach, Bruce Robertson, commented, "This was a true test for us. CCRI is very tough out of conference opponent. Their lineup was solid through the order with good bats and speed. These games force us to step it up to the next level. It is games like these that will help us develop as a team and be ready for our conference opponents in the Spring. We just have to limit our errors. We had too many today as it cost us game 1 and we almost let game 2 slip through our fingers."
Next up the Mustangs host UNE Club Thursday night 9/26 under the lights at 6/8 pm.
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