VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

BALTIMORE – UMBC softball's freshman pitcher Nicole Casagrand (Horsham, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham) tossed a four-hit shutout in game two of Tuesday afternoon's doubleheader to help the Retrievers split against La Salle in non-conference action at the UMBC Softball Stadium. The Retrievers fell, 5-3, in game one, but came back with a 4-0 victory in game two.

Junior second baseman Katlin Olesky (Irvine, Calif./Northwood/Saddleback College) and freshman third baseman Kaelin Jackson (Export, Pa./Franklin Regional) each drove in three runs on the day, while sophomore Mary Hartman (Eldersburg, Md./Century) hit .600 for the day (3-for-5).

The Retrievers improve to 28-17 on the season, while the Explorers move to 18-16.

La Salle took advantage of its lead-off batter being hit by a pitch, as senior Megan Hodgson drilled a double into the gap in right center to score freshman Michelle Hagerty from first and jump out in front, 1-0, in the top of the first inning. The Explorers added a pair in the top of the third inning on a two-run double to left center again from Hodgson to take a 3-0 lead.

The Explorers took out starting pitcher Alicia Aughton for the bottom of the fifth inning, despite throwing four hitless innings. Senior first baseman Chelsea Bertoglio (Laguna Hills, Calif./Laguna Hills/Saddleback College) started the rally with a two-out single through the right side. An error put runners on first and second and Hartman put the Retrievers on the board with an-RBI single to left center. With Hartman able to reach second on the throw, Olesky's single through the left side added a pair of runs to tie the contest at three apiece.

A pair of UMBC errors in the top of the sixth inning setup the game-winning RBI-single from junior Kristin Travers. The Explorers added an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning following an errant throw on a double-play opportunity.

La Salle's Mary Cate Scott picked up the victory, surrendering three unearned runs in three innings of work. UMBC starter Jessica Holte (Ashland, Va./Atlee) falls to 16-8 on the season after surrendering three earned runs on nine hits and striking out six batters.

The Retrievers started early in game two, jumping on Scott, as a single from junior catcher Taylor Hall (Cosby, Va./Cosby) was followed by a double off the fence in left field from Jackson to put the Retrievers out in front, 1-0, in the bottom of the first inning.

UMBC added to its advantage in the bottom of the fifth inning on Olesky's RBI-single through the left side of the infield, one of four-straight singles in the frame for the Retrievers. Jackson's second double of the contest came with the bases loaded to extend UMBC's lead to 4-0. Jackson went 2-for-3 from the plate with three RBI in the contest.

Casagrand (5-3) held off the Explorers to earn her second shutout of the season. Scott was credited with the loss (7-9) after allowing four earned runs on eight hits.

The Retrievers open a three-game series in America East action on Saturday, April 26 at Hartford.