Softball Takes Two from MCLA to Secure Conference Sweep
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MCLA | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 1 |
|
Salem St. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | X | 3 | 5 | 1 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MCLA | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 10 | 3 |
|
Salem St. | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | X | 9 | 11 | 6 |
THE BASICS
Score:
GM 1 – Salem State University 3 vs MCLA 1 (GM 1)
GM 2 – Salem State University 9 vs. MCLA 6 (GM 2)
Records:
Salem State Vikings (21-10) GM 1
MCLA (15-14) GM 1
Salem State Vikings (22-10) GM 2
MCLA (15-15) GM 2
Location: Alumni Field; Salem MA
Date: Saturday April 20th, 2026
THE LEAD
The Vikings swept a MASCAC doubleheader against the MCLA Trailblazers, earning a 3–1 comeback win in game one before closing out the day with a 9–6 victory in game two. After breaking through late in the opener with a three-run sixth inning to take control, the Vikings carried that momentum into game two with a fast start at the plate and timely hitting throughout, holding off a late Trailblazers rally to secure the sweep.
HOW IT HAPPENED (GM 1)
Salem, MA — The Salem State Vikings opened MASCAC conference doubleheader action in dramatic fashion, rallying late to defeat the MCLA Trailblazers, 3–1, in Game 1.
The Trailblazers struck first in the top of the second inning, capitalizing early to take a 1–0 lead. Both teams would generate scoring chances over the next several innings, recording hits and putting pressure on opposing defenses, but strong pitching and timely plays kept the scoreboard unchanged through the fifth inning.
Trailing into the bottom of the sixth, the Vikings delivered the decisive rally of the night. Salem State strung together key hits and executed in clutch moments, plating three runs to surge ahead 3–1 and claim their first lead of the game.
With momentum on their side, the Vikings entered the top of the seventh needing just three outs to secure the win. The pitching staff and defense held firm, shutting down the Trailblazers to complete the comeback victory.
Salem State would seal a 3–1 win in Game 1 over MCLA, giving the Vikings a strong start heading into game two of the doubleheader.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS (GM 1)
Abigail LaClair would go 3 for 2 at the plate for the Vikings in game one.
Abby Richardson would have two stolen bases against MCLA in game one.
Abigail LaClair ,Samantha Gaona- Sullivan and Ellie Kleinheinz would all have RBIs in game one against the Trailblazers.
Charlie Benesh would secure the win in game one pitching 7 innings, only allowing 1 run and would strike out 4.
HOW IT HAPPENED (GM 2)
Salem, MA — The Salem State Vikings completed the MASCAC doubleheader sweep over the MCLA Trailblazers with a 9–6 victory in Game 2.
The Vikings wasted no time getting their offense going, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning to take early control. After a scoreless second inning for both sides, the Trailblazers got on the board in the top of the third, cutting the deficit to 3–1.
Salem State responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning, adding two more runs to extend the lead to 5-1. The Vikings continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning, holding MCLA to just one run in the top half before scoring two more runs of their own in the bottom frame to build a commanding 7–1 lead over the Trailblazers.
Both teams were held scoreless in the fifth inning, but the Trailblazers made things interesting in the sixth. MCLA mounted a strong rally, scoring five runs to narrow the score to 7–6 and put the Vikings on edge.
Facing a one-run game, Salem State answered once again. The Vikings halted the momentum in the bottom of the sixth, scoring two crucial insurance runs to push their lead to 9–6.
With three outs standing between them and the sweep, the Vikings delivered a composed defensive performance in the top of the seventh, shutting down the Trailblazers to secure the 9–6 win.
With the victory, Salem State would secure the 9-6 victory over the Trailblazers, securing the MASCAC doubleheader sweep.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS (GM 2)
- Ellie Kleinheinz would go 3 for 2 at the plate for the Vikings in game two, while also hitting 2 doubles in the game.
- Samantha Gaona- Sullivan would go 3 for 3 at the plate for the Vikings in game two while also scoring 3 runs.
- Alanis Toledano would also secure a double in the win over the Trailblazers in game two.
- Samantha Gaona- Sullivan, Alanis Toledano, and Ellie Kleinheinz, would all have two RBIs in the game two against MCLA.
- Allison Frost , Samantha Gaona- Sullivan , Abby Richardson would all have a stolen base in game two.
- Gracie Martineau would secure the win in game two pitching 5.2 innings, only allowing one earned run and striking out 3.
- Alanis Toledano would secure her third save of the season in game two over the Trailblazers pitching 1.1 innings and striking out 3, while not allowing a single hit or run.
UP NEXT
The Vikings will be back in action on tomorrow Tuesday April 21st, 2026 where they will look to take the road as they will head to New London, CT to take on the Mariners of Mitchell College for a non-conference doubleheader matchup. First pitch is set for 3:00pm.