Box Score Box Score

TROY, N.Y. – Freshman Sheena McNeil's (Urbana, IL/Urbana) grand slam homerun in the bottom of the fifth inning proved to be the difference as the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) softball team battled back from an early deficit to defeat Elms College, 6-2, on Wednesday at Doris Robison Field. With the win, which was the third straight for RPI, the Engineers improve to 11-11 overall. The Blazers fall to 8-12 on the season.

Facing a two-run deficit heading into the bottom of the fifth inning, Rensselaer began to mount its comeback as junior Alyssa Rochminski (Schenectady, NY/Colonie) singled to lead off the inning. Rookie Caitlin McGivern (Bethlehem, PA/Notre Dame) later singled and classmate Gillian McCarthy (Worthington, OH/Thomas Worthington) drew a walk to load the bases with one out in the inning.

A long drive to centerfield by junior Jen Bach (Lansdale, PA/Gwynedd Mercy Academy) was then misplayed by the fielder to bring in a run and a long fly ball off the bat of junior Genevieve Falco (Seaford, NY/Seaford) tied things up at 2-2 with two runners left on base.

RPI sophomore Sara Heller (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) loaded them up once more, setting up the dramatic grand slam by McNeil, whose shot just snuck in fair past the left field foul pole to give the Engineers the 6-2 advantage.

Junior hurler Felicia Bua (Gilford, NH/Gilford) took control in the circle over the final two innings, shutting down the Blazers offense to keep it a four-run differential. Elms tried to make a comeback in the top of the seventh inning, as the visitors found themselves with runners on second and third, but Bua got freshman Sarah Buckley (Wilbraham, MA/Minnechaug) to strike out and end the game.

In addition to McNeil, who went 2 for 3 with a run scored and two RBI, the Engineers saw Heller also put in a 2 for 3 effort. Eight different players recorded hits in the game for RPI and Bua improved to 5-7 on the season with her second straight victory. She pitched 4.0 innings of relief, striking out four batters, while walking three. Bach started the game, throwing the first 3.0 innings with two runs (both earned) and just three hits allowed. She also struck out five batters.

For Elms, Buckley went 1 for 2 in the game, driving in the Blazers run in the first inning of the contest. Junior Alison McBride (East Providence, RI/East Providence) had the other Elms run in the game, capitalizing on a fielder's choice in the top of the third. In the circle, sophomore Courtney Hampton (Westfield, MA/Westfield) fell to 5-5 on the season, allowing six runs (all earned) through 6.0 innings pitched. She also struck out five and walked just one batter.

The Engineers return to action on Saturday when they open Liberty League play against St. Lawrence at Doris Robison Field. The home doubleheader against the Saints begins at 1pm. Elms is also in action on Saturday, hosting a twinbill against Mitchell (2pm).