Framingham State Eliminates Owls, 2-1
Westfield sees it's season end with a record of 32-11, bowing out in the conference semifinals.
Framingham State got a 2-run home run from Eliza Carignan for all the offense the Rams would need as they topped Westfield State, 2-1 in the final game of Saturday's MASCAC softball semifinals at Framingham's Maple Street Field.
Framingham advances to Sunday's championship round to face Worcester State at 12:00 noon at Framingham's Maple Street Field.
Westfield sees it's season end with a record of 32-11, bowing out in the conference semifinals. Framingam is now 27-14.
Westfield took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Mia Alfonso singled, moved to third on Rylie Camacho's double to center, and Alfonso scored on Alyssa Slack's sacrifice fly.
Framingham took the lead in the top of the fourth, when Jocylen Pepe led off and reached on an error, and Carignan pulled a fly ball to left field that Owls' left fielder Kassidy LaTour appeared to have a bead on, but ran out of room at the fence as the ball dropped just out of reach for a 2-run home run.
That was all the offense the game would see. Westfield put a pair of runners aboard with two out in the seventh, but couldn't muster a tying run.
The Owls got a gritty pitching performance from senior Katherine Canty, who started and worked four innings, striking out six, and allowing just two runs (one earned). Canty bounced back after being forced to leave the first game of the day after getting hit in the head with a throw.
Angelina Vartuli worked three scoreless innings for the Owls, giving up one hit and one walk.
Framingham first-year pitcher Audrey Gauthier outshone the good work from the Owls' staff, as Gauthier tossed a complete game four-hitter, walking two and striking out eight.
Worcester enters the championship round unbeaten in the tournament and can win the title by winning one game on Sunday.
Framingham enters the title game with one loss in the tournament and must win the 12 pm game to force a winner take all game immediately following the 12 pm game.
Westfield ends the year losing four of their last five games, to finish at 32-11, setting a program record for wins, and matching the most-ever wins for an Owls team in any sport tying the 1975 baseball team which finished 32-8.




