UMBC

UMBC (17-17) reached the .500 mark as they won their sixth straight this week after sweeping Howard by scores of 8-0 and 6-0 at Washington, D.C. In the six-game span, the Retrievers outscored their opponents 40-7.

In game one, the Retrievers did not waste any time as they tallied two runs in the first inning. They broke the game open in the fourth when they scored six more runs, to take the 8-0 win in five innings. UMBC was led by junior Kristie Pickeral, who went 3-for-3 with two runs scored, a homerun, and three RBI. Freshman pitcher Kelly Claar (6-7) was credited with the win as she went five innings, giving up just two hits and one walk while striking out one.

In the nightcap, Pickeral blasted two more homeruns to lead the Retrievers to the 6-0 victory. She finished that game 2-for-2 with a walk, three runs scored, and two RBI. Four other Retrievers had two hits apiece, including Claar, junior Amanda Bile, sophomore Amy Sadowl, and freshman Reilly Ward. Sadowl (5-6) allowed three hits in four innings to earn the win, while classmate Lauren Nicholson came in for three innings, allowing no hits, to get her third save of the season.  

Pickeral has belted four homeruns so far this week, including her 30th career longball. Senior Sarah Crowell also reached a milestone this season when she had her 100th career hit last week against Central Connecticut State.

UMBC returns to action this weekend (April 3-4) when they open America East Conference play as they host the Albany Great Danes for a doubleheader on Saturday and a single game on Sunday.