Softball Hosts Western New England in Home Opener Saturday

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 // 12:00 PM //2:00 PM  EAST BOSTON MEMORIAL PARK EAST BOSTON, MASS.
EYES ON THE GAME // PROGRAM GAME 1 LIVE STATS // GAME 2 LIVE STATS SERIES RECORD // SUFFOLK TRAILS, 4-20 LAST MEETING // APRIL 7, 2007, L, 18-11 LAST SUFFOLK WIN // APRIL 29, 2006, W, 2-1 STREAK // L4

BOSTON –  Suffolk softball will make its 2019 debut in front of its home crowd this Saturday, March 30 when Western New England stops by East Boston Memorial Park for a non-conference double feature. First pitch of game one is set for 12 p.m.

SOCIALIZE
Stay up-to-date with all the latest news and notes on Suffolk Athletics by connecting with the Rams on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Be sure to use the hashtag #RamNation for an insider's look at Suffolk's teams and student-athletes.

LAST TIME OUT
Suffolk softball hung with Brandeis in the first three innings until the Judges jumped ahead 10-5 en route to a 15-6, five-inning victory over the Rams in the nightcap of a non-conference doubleheader at Marcus Field. 

MORE READING: Brandeis Bests Softball in Game 2, 15-6

RAMS RUNDOWN
After being swept in five frames in the doubleheader at Brandeis, Suffolk moved to 6-8 on the season.  

Caitlin Murphy has been a light in Suffolk's lineup as the centerfielder hits .410 and slugs .513 for an on-base percentage of .478. The freshman has seven RBI and eight runs on 16 hits, three of which went for extra bases. Constance Phelan (.364, 8H, 3RBI), Ashley Zulla (.344, 11H, 7 RBI, 3R) and Brianna Loughlin (.333, 4H) all provided sparks for the Rams at the dish.  

Phelan has proven to be the most consistent arm for Suffolk. The sophomore has worked 26.2 innings, allowing 39 hits, 19 earned runs and fanned 14 batters. Kennedy Reyes is a go-to for the Rams in the circle. The rookie has taken the rubber for 29.1 frames in which she gave up 22 earned runs on 37 hits and sat down a staff-best 17 hitters.

GET TO KNOW THE GOLDEN BEARS
Western New England wrapped up its Florida trip with three straight wins to head back north 7-5 overall.

Emily Cooney leads the way at the plate for the Golden Bears with team-best numbers in hits (14) and runs scored (11), while Dina DiBlasio has the best connection rate at the dish, hitting .382 with 13 hits including six extra-base strikes, 10 RBI and six runs scored. 

Aimee Kistner and Paige Uliase provide a one-two punch in the circle. Kistner holds a 2.15 ERA over 39.0 innings with 30 Ks, while Uliase boasts a 3.29 ERA in 38.1 frames of action and 20 punchouts.

INSIDE THE SERIES

• Suffolk renews a rivalry with Western New England, meeting for the 25^th time overall and first time since 2007.
• The Rams are on a four-match skid versus the Golden Bears.
• Suffolk trails the all-time series with WNE, 4-20.
• The Rams are in the hunt for their first win over WNE since a 2-1 decision April 29, 2006.
• Suffolk will meet the Golden Bears for the first time in the Jaclyn Davis era.

EYES ON THE GAME
 

WHAT'S NEXT?
Suffolk remains at home Tuesday, April 2 when it welcomes Lesley to Eastie for a twinbill with a 4 p.m. first pitch set for game one.