The New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference

WELLESLEY, Mass. -- In game six of the New England Men's and Women's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Softball Tournament, Springfield rode a first-inning homerun to a 3-1 win over Babson College. The Pride, now advance to the consolation bracket semifinal, where they will face Clark at 4:00 today at Wellesley College. Babson finishes the season at 21-20.

In the top of the first, Springfield's Jessica Hillman (Seymour, Conn.) managed a two-out walk and Michelle Wlosek (Nutley, N.J.) followed with a single to rightcenter. Danielle Spiro (South Windsor, Conn.) then hammered a linedrive over the rightfield fence to give the Pride a 3-0 lead.

Babson got on the board in the sixth inning after Brittney Russo (Middletown, Conn.) reached on an error and Nicole Giuliano (North Reading, Mass.) launched a triple to right center drive in a run.

With a 3-1 lead, Springfield starter Samantha Rhodes (Mendon, Mass.) pitched around a hit in the bottom of the seventh to hold on for the win.

Rhodes pitched all seven for the Pride, scattering seven hits and allowing only one run. She struck out three and walked two in the win.

On the mound for Babson, Jess Bryn (Safety Harbor, Fla.) threw seven solid innings, allowing three runs on seven hits. She had five strikeouts in the loss.

The NEWMAC softball tournament continues today and tomorrow at Wellesley College. Complete tournament information can be found at: http://www.wellesley.edu/athletics/athletics/softball/newmac/index.html

Springfield Defeats Babson in NEWMAC Softball Tournament