FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 17, 2008

ANCHORWOMEN SPLIT WITH WESTFIELD STATE
RIC Sees 19-Game Winning Streak Stopped By Owls

Providence, RI—Rhode Island College and Westfield State split a doubleheader Thursday afternoon at the Dayna A. Bazar Softball Complex in a battle of conference leaders. RIC, currently ranked No. 1 in New England and holding the top spot in the Little East Conference, saw a 19-game winning streak come to an end in game one, but rebounded to take the nightcap.

The Owls (19-7) stunned the Anchorwomen (25-5) in game one, ending the contest in just six innings with an 8-0 shutout. Junior pitcher Chelsea Sylvia (South Dartmouth, MA) held the high-powered RIC offense to just two hits and struck out eight en route to her 12^th win (12-3) of the season. Westfield State took a 1-0 lead in the third, scoring on a throwing error. The Owls gave Sylvia all the support she’d need in the contest by putting an additional four runs across in the fourth. Junior center fielder Jackie Mason (Florida, MA) belted a two-run triple and junior right fielder Lindsay Jardin (Assonet, MA) chipped in with an RBI double. RIC freshman pitcher Melanie Neece (Westfield, MA) struggled against her hometown team, allowing eight runs, six of which were earned, on 10 hits, while striking out 10 in a losing effort (13-2). Mason went 1-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBI from the top spot in the order, while Jardin was 3-for-3 with one run scored and one RBI.

The Anchorwomen responded in game two, capitalizing on two Owl errors to plate seven runs on six hits in the second inning to put the contest out of reach and log an 8-0 win. Sophomore pitcher Jenna Deveines (Lowville, NY) earned her 11^th win (11-2), throwing a three-hit shutout, while striking out one. Westfield State junior Casey Riddell (Athol, MA) was the hard-luck loser (5-4), allowing just one earned run on seven hits in two innings of work. Sophomore Sam Prouty (Auburn, MA) came on in the third, allowing one run on two hits in two innings. RIC freshman right fielder Chelsi Panarelli (Shrewsbury, MA) went 1-for-2 with one run scored and two RBI, while senior first baseman Christie Lotti (Waterford, CT) went 2-for-3 with one run scored and an RBI. Freshman second baseman Amanda Perry (New Bedford, MA) went 1-for-2 with two runs scored.

In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will travel to Plymouth State on Saturday, Apr. 19 for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.

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