FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason softball (10-10, 2-1 A-10) completed a doubleheader sweep against UMass Lowell (9-9, 0-0 AE) with a 2-1 win in game one and a 1-0 shutout victory in game two at the GMU Softball Complex on Wednesday, March 11.
GAME ONE: George Mason vs. UMass Lowell, W 2-1
In game one, UMass Lowell opened the scoring in the first inning when Avery Spinello-Branch showcased heads-up base running and scored after Madi Wade reached first on a fielder's choice, giving the River Hawks a 1-0 lead at the end of the inning.
The Green & Gold tied the game in the third inning when
Logan Pickford was hit by a pitch and later scored on a double by
Tess Altevers Harris, making it 1-1.
The game remained tied until the ninth inning, when
Abbey Lane doubled and eventually scored the winning run on another double by Altevers Harris, clinching the walk-off 2-1 victory for George Mason.
Reigning Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Week
Abbey Lane delivered a commanding performance, pitching a complete game over a season-high nine innings. She allowed only four hits and one earned run while striking out seven batters to tie her career high. Lane demonstrated control and efficiency, issuing just three walks over 138 pitches, resulting in a WHIP of 0.78. This outing marked her sixth win of the season, improving her record to 6-3.
Tess Altevers Harris had a standout performance, collecting three hits, including two doubles and a triple, while driving in Mason's two runs.
Kaleigh Friend added two hits in four at-bats, contributing to the team's offensive efforts.
GAME TWO: George Mason vs. UMass Lowell, W 1-0
In game two, the Patriots secured another victory with a 1-0 win to complete the doubleheader sweep. The decisive run came in the fifth inning, as George Mason's pitching staff held UMass Lowell scoreless throughout the contest.
Logan Pickford led off the inning with a single, followed by a walk from Maddie LeMasters, and
Kaleigh Friend being hit by a pitch to load the bases.
Elyssa DeRosa then stepped up to the plate and reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Pickford to score from third for the game's only run. The winning play also marked DeRosa's first RBI of the season.
Bri Lencz delivered a strong performance, pitching 5.1 innings without allowing a run and striking out five batters, reaching a career-high for the freshman. She gave up only two hits and issued four walks, maintaining a WHIP of 1.18.
Haleigh Dellow provided solid relief, pitching 1.2 innings, allowing no hits, and earning the save by inducing four groundouts.
Logan Pickford contributed significantly by going 1-for-2 with a walk, scoring the game's sole run, and stealing a base. The Patriots improved their overall record to 10-10 with the midweek sweep.
George Mason returns to action on the road in Washington, D.C. to continue Atlantic 10 play against George Washington.
The Patriots' series schedule is as follows:
Saturday, March 14
12 p.m. at George Washington
2:30 p.m. at George Washington
Sunday, March 15
12 p.m. at George Washington
