Western Connecticut's Record-Setting Performance Eliminates Muhlenberg
ITHACA, N.Y. – The fourth-seeded Western Connecticut Colonials (28-13) eliminated the eighth-seeded Muhlenberg Mules (25-17) from the NCAA Division III Softball Regional at Ithaca College, posting a 20-5 win Friday in a game shortened to six innings. The Colonials, who set an NCAA single-game playoff record with nine doubles, advance to play Saturday at noon against the loser of Thursday’s Ithaca-Keuka game.
Third baseman Amy Hartman hit three of the Colonials’ nine doubles, tying the NCAA playoff individual record. The two teams’ combined total of 10 set another NCAA mark. Hartman’s four runs scored and five hits were both one short of NCAA playoff records.
Western Connecticut scored in all but one inning, capping the day with a nine-run outburst in the sixth inning. Left fielder Luigina Facchini hit a three-run home run in the inning and first baseman Anna Levesque added a solo shot. The Colonials finished with three home runs in the game; shortstop Danielle Basciano led off the third inning by clanging a home run off the scoreboard in left field.
Basciano scored four runs and finished with three hits. Facchini drove in five runs and scored three. Catcher Meghan Mammone doubled twice and collected two runs batted in. Levesque finished with three hits, two runs scored and two driven in.
Winning pitcher Megan Dargon allowed six hits and held the Mules scoreless in five of their six innings. All five of Muhlenberg’s runs came in the fourth, sparked by a pair of Colonial errors and a two-run single by second baseman Ashley Brewer. Pitcher Alyssa Bruckner drew a bases-loaded walk to bring in the first Mule run.
Brewer and catcher Brittany Blohm both had two of Muhlenberg’s six hits. First baseman Kelly Kline and shortstop Jess Kaza each drew a pair of walks.
