UMBC

Reilly Ward hit a double and a home run to drive in three of UMBC's five runs in the series finale.

Baltimore, Md.-After taking the first two games of the series on Friday, the UMBC softball team (37-12, 7-4) dropped the series finale to Boston University (20-20, 6-5), 7-4, Saturday afternoon at UMBC Softball Stadium.

The Terriers struck first in the top of the second on a two-out three-run home run by third baseman Brooke Hudson, and they added another in the fourth on a walk and an error for a 4-0 lead.

The Retrievers got on the board for the first time in the bottom of the inning on a one-out RBI double by third baseman Reilly Ward (Olney, Md./Sherwood), but the Terriers got the run back in the top of the sixth on a two-out RBI double by left fielder Brandi Shields to maintain their four-run advantage at 5-1.

Shortstop Dana Shepherd (Columbia, Md./Oakland Mills) singled to lead off the bottom of the sixth and Ward followed with a homer to left, her 11th of the season, to pull the Retrievers to within two runs at 5-3.

But Boston U. shortstop Melissa Dubay hit a two-run home run of her own in the top of the seventh for the 7-3 edge.

UMBC designated player Melanie Denischuk (Poway, Calif./Hugh Sutherland (Carstairs, Alberta)/Indian River CC/Auburn) hit her 22nd roundtripper of the season with two outs in the bottom of the seventh to pull to within three runs at 7-4, but the Retrievers could not add anymore.

Freshman Krista Kearns (Santa Fe Springs, Calif./Santa Fe) suffered the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits and one walk while striking out one in 3.2 innings of work. She falls to 11-5 on the season. Senior Lauren Nicholson (Audubon, N.J./Paul VI) pitched 2.2 innings of relief and allowed three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out three. Junior Brittany Boyd (Baltimore, Md./North County/East Carolina) worked the final two-thirds of an inning and struck out one without allowing a baserunner.

Shayne Lotito picked up the win for the Terriers, as she allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out two in four innings of work. Melody Popravak pitched the final three innings for Boston U. and allowed three runs on four hits and struck out two.

The Retrievers return to action Tuesday when they host Coppin State in a doubleheader beginning at 2:30 p.m.