MANCHESTER, N.H. – Sophomore hurler Shannon Dalton (Concord, Mass.) was the story of the day Thursday, tossing back-to-back complete-game shutouts to lead the Saint Anselm College softball team to a pair of victories against Franklin Pierce University. Saint Anselm took the first game 9-0, and came out on top 1-0 in a tough pitchers' duel in game two.
The Hawks improve to 10-9 on the season and 2-2 in Northeast-10 play, while the Ravens fall to 3-13, 2-2 NE-10.
In game one, the Hawks wasted no time, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run single by freshman Nicole Boucher (Woonsocket, R.I.) and an RBI single from sophomore Lauren Galavotti (Marion, Mass.). Ravens starter Rachel Allen was chased from the game in the second after allowing two more runs on RBI singles by senior Kayla McEachern (Stoneham, Mass.) and junior Kat Scafidi (Hudson, N.H.).
The Hawks broke it open with a four-spot in the third. Galavotti knocked in two more with a double before freshman Olivia Story (Middleton, Mass.) smacked an RBI triple. McEachern produced an RBI when she grounded out and the Hawks led it 9-0.
Dalton gave up a hit in the first inning and then slammed the door, not allowing another hit the rest of the game. She walked three and struck out five.
Boucher (2 RBI) and Galavotti (3 RBI) were both a perfect 2-for-2. McEachern drove in a pair of runs, while going 1-for-3. Scafidi (1-2) and Story (1-1) each recorded an RBI.
Allen finished with 12/3 innings pitched, allowing five runs on six hits, while walking two. Ravens reliever Jess Wiley went the final 21/3, allowing four runs on three hits with a walk and a strikeout.
The second game was a different story, with Dalton's first two pitches being tagged for hits. Dalton again locked in, allowing two more hits in the third, but breezing through the rest of the game as she struck out five and did not walk a batter. Ravens starter Kayla Johnson proved tough as well, keeping the Hawks off the scoreboard until the fifth inning when Galavotti doubled to center and then scored on an RBI single by senior Raylyn Glavin (Saugus, Mass.).
Johnson finished with six innings pitched, allowing six hits with four strikeouts and no walks.
The Hawks return to action Saturday, April 9 (12/2 p.m.) when they play host to Saint Rose in doubleheader action at South Athletic Fields.
