Softball loses one-run game to Southern Maine Community College in USCAA Championship play-in game

DUBOIS, Pa. --- One run in the first inning was all Southern Maine Community College needed in a 1-0 win over Carlow University softball on the opening day of the USCAA Small College World Series Monday morning.

It was a pitcher's duel throughout, with each team scattering four hits over the entire game.

The Seawolves (19-13) singled to start the bottom of the first and stole second to put a runner in scoring position early. The Celtics (13-24) retired two batters in a row, and a single to right centerfield brought in what would eventually be the game-winning run.

SMCC retired the Celtics in order through the first three innings before Megan Pollinger singled through the left side to break up the no-hitter in the top of the fourth.

Clara Niglio retired the side in the second and third, and a 5-4-3 double play in the bottom of the fourth kept the Celtics in the game.

Bella Cartieri hit a one-out single in the top of the fifth, and Jillian Durst drew a walk to put runners in scoring position. The Seawolves caught Cartieri stealing third and made it out of the inning unscathed with an infield ground out.

Once again, Niglio and the Carlow defense retired the sides in the fifth and sixth innings to keep the game close.

Francesca Beighley hit a one-out single, and Niglio singled up the middle to put runners on in the top of the sixth. A deep fly ball to left field off the bat of Pollinger moved the runners ahead, but SMCC ended the rally with a fly ball.

The Seawolves retired the Celtics in order in the top of the seventh to secure the win.

Sarah Wilkins earned the shutout win in the circle with one walk and two strikeouts. Niglio suffered the loss with five strikeouts in the complete game effort.

The Celtics face Bay Path (Mass.) University for a 10 a.m. elimination game tomorrow.