Softball: Terriers Sweep Merrimack in Wednesday Doubleheader

By Brendan Galvin

The Boston University Softball team swept Merrimack College in a doubleheader, winning 9-0 in five innings via the mercy rule in Game 1 and 2-1 in Game 2.

It was another strong day from senior Lizzy Avery on the mound in Game 1, throwing four scoreless innings and only giving up one hit to pick up her fourth win on the season. 

The Terriers (22-7) jumped on the Warriors (14-28) early after a single from graduate outfielder Emily Gant in the first inning brought in a run, and a double from Gant in the second inning brought in two more. Gant totaled four hits during her time at the plate during Game 1. 

Gant also scored a run herself when he scored in the third inning on a double from freshman second baseman Brooke Deppiesse.

However, it was in the fifth inning when the knockout blow came from junior infielder Kayla Roncin, who hit a towering grand slam, her first home run on the season, to extend the lead to nine runs.

Then in the bottom of the fifth, senior pitcher Allison Boaz, who just earned her second Patriot League Pitcher of the Week award, shut down the offense to clinch the mercy-rule victory for the Terriers. 

In Game 2, the Terriers’ offense was kept much more at bay, only totaling eight hits compared to Game 1’s 11. 

The Terriers were the first to score again, this time coming on a fielder’s choice hit by junior outfielder Lauren Keleher. 

Still, the Warriors fought back in the bottom of the third, scoring a run on a single by senior pitcher Maddie Fornwalt. 

The teams went back and forth scoreless until the bottom of the sixth when Deppiesse stepped up and soared a pitch over the fence to give the Terriers a 2-1 lead. 

Sophomore outfielder Tyesha Williams had three hits in Game 2, all of which were singles. 

Freshman pitcher Kasey Ricard was credited with the win and the save after coming in during the bottom of the fifth and pitching 2.2 scoreless innings, striking out six and only giving up three hits. 

Ricard and starting pitcher Boaz combined to strike out 13 of the 23 batters faced, allowing eight hitters to reach base. 

However, the stout Terrier defense was able to keep runners stranded and hold Merrimack just one run on the day. 

The Terriers will look to stay hot in their next game on Saturday at Villanova. The first pitch is set for 11 a.m.