Springfield, Mass. – April 27, 2011 – Jen Joseph hurled a two-hit shutout to lead the Springfield College softball team to a 2-0 win over visiting Westfield State in non-conference action at Potter Field on Wednesday afternoon. Fellow freshman Ashley Marino then followed that up with a 5-inning 8-0 shutout, giving SC a sweep over the Owls.

Springfield improves to 26-15 on the year, while Westfield State drops to 18-17.

Game #1 — Springfield 2, Westfield State 0

Joseph was sensational as she struck out eight in seven innings of work while giving up just two hits. Her counterpart, Madeline Tomich, lost for just the fourth time this season as she gave up just two earned runs off four hits. She struck out five, but walked eight Springfield batters.

Kasey Kelly led off the third with a walk, and then stole second to move into scoring position. After Ally Rivelli reached on an error, Kelly moved to third, and would come around to score on a Kelly Blake infield single.

The Pride tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth after Tess Gagliano blasted a solo shot to lead off the frame to left center. It was a fitting return for Gagliano, who played in her first game since getting injured in the April 11th contest versus Williams.

For the Owls, Brittany Dussault and Cassy Jouannet each tallied hits in the game. Each team finished with three errors in the contest.

Game #2 — Springfield 8, Westfield State 0

For the host Pride, freshman righthander Ashley Marino hurled a five-inning complete-game shutout, winning 8-0. As was the case in the first game with Joseph, Marino pitched a two-hitter as well. Marino is now 13-8 overall, and has won eight of her last 10 decisions.

Meanwhile, the Pride managed nine hits, including two each by Kasey Kelly and Liz Milly. Kelly and Chelsea Bender had two RBI’s apiece.

Springfield scored six runs in the third inning, taking advantage of three errors, and added two more in the fourth, allowing the game to be mercied in the fifth.

For Westfield State, Kerry Alcott was the starter and loser. She gave up eight runs, only two of which were earned, and nine hits. She struck out four and walked four in taking the loss. She is now 4-5.

Springfield will play two more regular-season games at MCLA tomorrow