UMBC

Amy Sadowl allowed just one run in a complete game victory in game two.

Emmitsburg, Md.-UMBC seniors Lauren Nicholson and Amy Sadowl each pitched complete games and allowed only one run apiece to lead the Retriever softball team to a doubleheader sweep over Mount St. Mary’s, 6-1 and 4-1, in their final non-conference games of the season Wednesday afternoon. The Retrievers improve to 44-16 while the Mountaineers fall to 29-23.

UMBC got on the board first in game one, scoring twice in the top of the first inning when left fielder Courtney O’Hara tripled with one out, first baseman Melanie Denischuk singled and third baseman Reilly Ward hit a two-out RBI double to right-center field.

The Mount scored its only run of the game in the bottom of the inning on a two-out RBI single to left by third baseman Kelli Seger.

The Retrievers’ final two runs came in the top of the sixth. Three straight singles by shortstop Dana Shepherd, Ward and catcher Jessica Griffith drove in one run before designated player Heather Bennett reached on an error to plate the other for the 4-1 lead.

The Mount threatened in the bottom of the inning, loading the bases on two walks and a double, but Nicholson got out of the jam without allowing a run and held on despite allowing two baserunners in the bottom of the seventh for the 4-1 victory.

Nicholson picked up the win and improved to 18-2 on the season, tying her own school record for most wins in a season. Sadowl and Crystal Ray also won 18 games in a season at UMBC. In addition, Nicholson’s .900 winning percentage is the best ever by a Retriever pitcher.

Nicholson allowed just one run on seven hits and four walks while striking out six in the complete game. Maria Lutz (13-11) suffered the loss after giving up four runs (three earned) on eight hits and one walk while striking out four.

The Retrievers again scored first in game two, as designated player Krista Kearns hit a two-out RBI single in the top of the second. But the Mount tied it in the bottom of the third on a single, a walk, a wild pitch and another single, all with two outs.

UMBC broke it open in the top of the fourth, scoring five runs on four hits and an error, all coming with two outs. Shepherd singled and stole second, then scored on Griffith’s single. Kearns reached on an error and Underwood walked to load the bases for right fielder Michelle Olivieri, who hit an infield single. The next batter, center fielder Kali Shirk, cleared the bases with a three-run double for the 6-1 lead.

Sadowl limited the Mountaineers to just two hits and a walk over the final four innings for the victory. She improved to 5-3 after giving up one run on six hits and two walks while striking out one in the complete game.

Reanna Tuczynski suffered the loss for the Mount, allowing six runs (two earned) on nine hits and two walks. Jamie Fowler blanked the Retrievers over the final three innings on just one hit and two walks while striking out two.

The Retrievers conclude the regular season this weekend with a three-game series at America East leader Maine. Saturday’s doubleheader begins at 2:30 p.m., while Sunday’s series finale is at 11 a.m.