Softball Secures Pair of Conference Wins Over Bears
Game 1
Game 1
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Salem St. | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 1 |
|
Bridgewater St. | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 5 |
Game 2
Game 2
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Salem St. | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 1 |
|
Bridgewater St. | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 5 |
THE BASICS
Score:
GM 1 – Salem State University 5 vs Bridgewater State 3 (GM 1)
GM 2 – Salem State University 6 vs. Bridgewater State 4 - 6 innings (GM 2)
Records:
Salem State Vikings (18-10) GM 1
Bridgewater State (14-11) GM 1
Salem State Vikings (19-10) GM 2
Bridgewater State (14-12) GM 2
Location: Bridgewater, MA
Date: Tuesday April 14. 2026
THE LEAD
The Salem State University softball team earned a conference sweep over Bridgewater State, highlighted by a pair of strong offensive performances and solid defensive play in key moments.
In game one, the Vikings rallied late to secure a 5–3 comeback victory. After trailing 3–1 midway through the game, Salem State chipped away at the deficit before scoring three runs in the top of the seventh inning to take its first lead and complete the comeback.
In game two, the Vikings carried their momentum into another strong showing, defeating the Bears 6–4 in 6 innings. Salem State jumped out early with a two-run first inning and added to its lead before responding to a Bridgewater State rally that tied the game at 3–3. The Vikings answered immediately with a three-run fourth inning and held on late to secure the sweep.
HOW IT HAPPENED (GM 1)
The Salem State University softball team earned a key conference victory with a 5–3 comeback win over Bridgewater State using timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and strong defensive play to secure the win.
Bridgewater State opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning, stringing together quality at-bats to take a 1–0 lead. Salem State responded in the top of the scoring a run to even the score at 1–1.
The Bears regained the advantage with a two-run inning, capitalizing on offensive opportunities to move ahead 3–1 heading into the fourth. Both teams settled in defensively from there, as neither side was able to push a run across in the fourth or fifth innings.
Salem State began to chip away in the later innings, pushing a run across to cut the deficit to 3–2 while continuing to apply pressure on the basepaths. The Vikings capitalized on mistakes in the field by the Bears, while their defense remained steady, making key plays to prevent any additional runs and keep the game within reach.
In the top of the seventh, Salem State delivered at the plate and seized momentum. The Vikings strung together timely hits to plate three runs and take their first lead of the game at 5–3. In the bottom half, the Vikings closed the door, holding the Bears scoreless to complete the comeback victory.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS (GM 1)
- Tara Perryman , Paige Souza , Ellie Kleinheinz and Allison Frost would all collect RBIs in game one win over the Bears.
- Samantha Gaona- Sullivan , Allison Frost would both have stolen bases in the game against the Bears.
- Charlie Benesh would earn the win over the Bears striking out 3 and only allowing 3 runs in 7 innings pitched.
- Samantha Gaona- Sullivan, Alanis Toledano, Abigail LaClair, Tara Perryman, Paige Souza, would all have hits in the game one
- Allison Frost would lead the Vikings game one with hits collecting two against the Bears.
HOW IT HAPPENED (GM 2)
The Salem State University softball team completed a conference sweep over Bridgewater State with a 6–4 game victory in game two in six innings played using early offense, timely hitting, and steady defense to secure the win.
The Vikings jumped out quickly in the top of the first inning, scoring two runs to take an early 2–0 lead. Salem State added to its advantage in the top of the second with another run, extending the lead to 3–0 heading into the bottom half of the inning.
Defensively, the Vikings stayed sharp early, holding Bridgewater State scoreless through the first inning and into the third. However, the Bears responded in the bottom of the third, stringing together hits to plate three runs and even the score at 3–3.
Salem State answered right back in the top of the fourth, regaining momentum at the plate and breaking the tie with a three-run inning to go back in front 6–3. The Vikings continued to play strong defense, limiting Bridgewater State's opportunities and maintaining control of the game.
Bridgewater State added a run in the bottom of the fifth to cut into the deficit and apply pressure late, but Salem State remained composed and closed out the game to secure the 6–4 win in six innings played.
With the victory, the Vikings completed the conference sweep over the Bridgewater State Bears.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS (GM 2)
- Samantha Gaona- Sullivan , Abigail LaClair , Ellie Kleinheinz would all collect RBIs in game two win over the Bears.
- Abby Richardson would lead the Vikings in stolen bases with 3 against the Bears in game two.
- It would be Samantha Gaona- Sullivan to earn two stolen bases and Allison Frost and Ellie Kleinheinz to earn one stolen bases in the win over the Bears.
- Samantha Gaona- Sullivan would lead the Vikings in hits in game two with 3.
- Gracie Martineau would earn the win over the Bears in game two striking out 2, in four innings pitched.
- Alanis Toledano would earn the first save for the Vikings this season over the Bears in game two, pitching two innings allowing only one hit and no runs.
UP NEXT
The Vikings will be back in action on Saturday April 18th, where they look to continue conference play as they will return home and host the AMCATS of Anna Maria College for a MASCAC conference matchup. First pitch is set for 12:00pm, Saturday also marks senior day for the Vikings.