Roach Propels Nighthawks to First Semifinal Appearance

Leicester, Mass.- Newbury College got a stellar pitching performance from Rebecca Roach (Charlton, Mass.), propelling the Nighthawks to a 4-1 victory over Becker College in New England Collegiate Conference quarterfinal softball action this afternoon.

The Nighthawks got the scoring started in the top of the second inning when Jesymarian Touron (Brockton, Mass.) smacked a bases loaded single, scoring Roach from third base. Newbury increased their lead to 2-0 on a throwing error by Becker pitcher Paige Needham (Worcester, Mass.).

The score remained the same until Becker cut the Newbury lead in half in the bottom of the third inning. Felicia Laufer (Salem, Conn.) would score all the way from first base when  Roach threw the ball down the right field line on a swinging bunt in front of the plate

Newbury widened their lead to 3-1 when Becker second baseman Rachel Walsh (Hadley, Mass.) tried to cut down a run at home plate with the bases load, but the throw sailed wide of Hawks catcher Larissa Paula (Lynn, Mass.), allowing Roach to score from third with an unearned run. The Nighthawks padded their lead one batter later when Jesymarian Touron singled in an insurance run, making the score 4-1 after four innings.

The four Newbury runs were more than enough for pitcher Roach who squandered just two hits the entire afternoon. The win improves Newbury's record to 10-22 on the season. The Nighthawks advance on to played top seeded Lesley University Friday afternoon at 10:00 am.

Paige Needham took the loss for Becker after allowing just two earned runs on seven hits, while striking out five. The Hawks season comes to an end with a record of 14-21.

- Story provided by: Matt Tittle, Sports Information Director - Becker College