Softball Welcomes Mt. Ida, Lasell this Weekend

BOSTON – The Suffolk softball continues its homestand this weekend as the Rams entertain Mt. Ida Saturday, April 22 in their Coaches vs. Cancer contest, before hosting Lasell Sunday, April 23. Both games are scheduled for 12 p.m. starts. 

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LAST TIME OUT
After falling 5-1 to Norwich in the two-game series opener, the Suffolk softball team rallied for a 5-0 win over the Cadets in the nightcap in a GNAC doubleheader at East Boston Memorial Park Thursday. 

MORE READING: Splitsville: Norwich Grabs Game One, Softball Shutouts Game Two

RUNDOWN ON THE RAMS
Suffolk split another GNAC series, this time with Norwich, to head into the weekend 15-14 overall and 7-6 against conference competition. 

The Rams, who hit .301 as a team, are led at the dish by Ashley Zulla, who comes into the weekend action with a slash line of .432/.453/.642 with 11 RBI on 35 hits, including 12 for extra bases, and 21 runs scored. Jill Pulek comes in just under .400, hitting .396 with an on-base percentage of .415 and a slugging rate of .733. The sophomore designated hitter has 40 hits, 31 RBI and 19 runs scored. 

In the circle, Ali Yamakaitis' 2.48 ERA paces Suffolk's arms as the junior has dealt 96.0 innings, striking out 61 batters in 15 appearances, all of which she started. Taylor Holmes brings a 3.86 ERA into the weekend action with six complete-game efforts, four of which were shutout victories for the junior, who has 56 Ks in 70.2 frames of work.   

MUSTANGS MENTIONABLES
Mt. Ida has fallen in six straight key matches with the stretch putting the Mustangs at 9-16 on the year and 3-9 versus league foes. 

The Mustangs are hitting just .240 on the season with Hayley Microulis pacing the pack. The junior outfielder hits .369, slugs .415 and has an on-base percentage of .419 to lead the way in hits (24) and RBI (9) to go along with seven runs scored. Lucianna Medici, who bats .241, is the team leader in runs scored with 21 to her credit with the second baseman adding six RBI on 14 hits. 

 Nicole Handzel's 3.05 ERA is the lowest on Mt. Ida's staff as the senior has seen action in 108.0 innings, fanning 102 batters.  

INSIDE THE SERIES
Suffolk has taken the last nine meetings over Mt. Ida to hold a 15-3 all-time series lead. The Rams are undefeated versus the Mustangs under Jaclyn Davis guidance.     

EYES ON THE GAME

LOOK AT THE LASERES
Lasell rides a losing streak of eight straight into the weekend in which it opens up against Anna Maria Saturday after home. The 4-22 Lasers, who are winless (0-12) in conference, will face Suffolk on Sunday. 

A trio of everyday starters are averaging over .300. Arianna Genovese's bat produces team-best numbers in average (.379), on-base percentage (.461), slugging percentage (.515) and RBI (12) with 25 hits and seven runs scored on her stat line. Erin Smith, who has stolen an impressive 18 bags, hits .358, recording 29 hits, 17 runs and three RBI. Victoria Spellman rounds out the group, batting .354 for eight RBI and 15 runs scored on 28 hits. 

Lasell's staff ERA is 7.27 with its best arm, Nichole Arcese, boasting an ERA of 5.17. The rookie has seen the circle in 14 games, 11 starts, 69.0 innings with 33 strikeouts to her credit. 

INSIDE THE SERIES
Suffolk is on a four-game win streak versus the Lasers and the Rams lead the all-time meetings 11-9. 

EYES ON THE GAME
 

COACHES VS. CANCER
Suffolk will host its annual Coaches vs. Cancer game Saturday, April 22 versus the Mustangs of Mt. Ida. A grab-and-go bake sale and all donations received on Saturday will benefit pediatric cancer, specially Raylan in his fight against Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. 

COMING UP
Suffolk hits the road for a midweek matchup at Albertus Magnus Wednesday, April 26.