Lynn, MA – Michelle Fabiano singled to right with two outs in the bottom of the 8th to drive in Samantha Maldonado and give the Fisher College Lady Falcons their first win of the season. The Lady Falcons took down the University of Maine – Presque Isle 9-8 in 8 innings with break a streak of 58 consecutive losses.
In a back and forth affair that saw a combined 19 runs and 22 hits, the Lady Flacons gave Head Coach Jackie Streeter her first collegiate win. It was also the first career win for Freshman Jayla Vega who pitched all 8 innings for the Lady Falcons, allowing seven hits and nine runs (two earned). Over the course of her outing, Vega surrendered six walks while managing to strike out six.
Fisher got the scoring started in the bottom of the first inning. Vega led off with a double to left center before advancing to third on a ground out by Emily Smith. Vega was able to score when a failed pick off empty sailed into left field. Kaliah Goulet then doubled and came around to score with Samantha Maldonado singled to left. The Falcons added their third run when Michelle Fabiano singled, scoring Maldonado.
The Lady Falcons added a fourth run in the second inning but the lead was short lasting as UMPI managed to score five runs in the top of third on three hits and three errors.
The defensive struggles continued for both teams added to their scoring totals. The Lady Falcons eventually took a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the 7th as they looked to close out the victory. Kellie Peers led of the 7th of UMPI with a single before Taylor Chochran field out to right field. A Krista Coffin strikeout but the Falcons on the verge of victory. What looked like a game ending grounded out was all for naught as Megan Hannigan reached on an error by the third baseman, advancing Peers to second. A wild pitch moved both runners up 45 feet. With two outs and the tying run on third, Vega got Brittany Luetjecn to pop out the second baseman. Unfortunately for the Flacons, Fabiano misjudged the ball, allowing the tying run to score.
The lady Falcons left the winning run on third in the bottom of the 7th and off the extras the two teams went.
UMPI was able to plate two runs in the top of the 8th on 2 hits. The Owls also left two runners on base.
In the bottom of the 8th, Emily Smith led off with a bunt single, advancing Vega to 3rd. As the rules permit, the last out in the 7th starts on second base when a softball game enters extra innings. Two pitches later Smith stole second, putting the tying run in scoring position. After a Goulet pop out, Vega was able to score the Lady Falcons 8th run after a wild pitch. The very next pitch Smith came across to scoring the tying run on a yet another wild pitch. With one out in the inning Maldonado doubled to left field, setting up Fabiano for the heroics.
Vega paced the Fisher offense going 3-4 on the night. Eight Lady Falcons recorded at least one hit in the best offensive game of the season.
UMPI and Fisher return to action this afternoon with a 12PM doubleheader and Breed Field in Lynn, MA.