Softball Edged in Regular-Season Finale Doubleheader Against Owls
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Westfield St. | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
|
Salem St. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Westfield St. | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 1 |
|
Salem St. | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 14 | 2 |
THE BASICS
Score:
GM 1 – Salem State University 4 vs Westfield State 7 (GM 1)
GM 2 – Salem State University 5 vs. Westfield State 7 (GM 2)
Records:
Salem State Vikings (27-11) GM 1
Westfield State Owls (34-1) GM 1
Salem State Vikings (27-12) GM 2
Westfield State Owls (35-1) GM 2
Location: Alumni Field; Salem MA
Date: Saturday May 2nd, 2026
THE LEAD
The Salem State Vikings softball dropped both games of a MASCAC doubleheader to the Westfield State Owls softball, falling 7–4 in game one and 7–5 in game two.
Salem State turned in a strong, competitive performance across both games, highlighted by a four-run rally in the sixth inning of the opener and an impressive five-run third inning in game two. The Vikings' timely hitting and persistence kept them within striking distance throughout the day, applying pressure into the late innings of both contests, but the Owls ultimately held on to secure the sweep.
HOW IT HAPPENED (GM 1)
The Westfield State Owls softball and Salem State Vikings softball wrapped up their regular season with a competitive and hard-fought opening game of the doubleheader, as the Owls came away with a 7–4 victory.
Westfield State came out swinging early, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning and adding another in the second to take an early 3–0 lead. They continued to build momentum in the third inning, pushing across two more runs to extend the advantage to 5–0. Through the first four innings, the Owls' pitching kept Salem State off the board, but the Vikings remained poised and continued to battle at the plate.
After being held scoreless in the fourth, Westfield added a run in the fifth and another in the sixth to stretch the lead to 7–0. Despite the deficit, Salem State showed resilience and refused to back down.
The breakthrough came in the bottom of the sixth inning, when Alanis Toledano sparked the offense with a double. Moments later, Ellie Kleinheiz delivered a key swing with a three-run home run, and the Vikings capitalized to score four runs in the inning, cutting the deficit to 7–4 and bringing new energy into the game.
Salem State carried that momentum into the seventh, holding the Owls scoreless to give themselves a chance at a late comeback. The Vikings continued to compete until the final out, but Westfield was able to hold on defensively to secure the 7-4 win in game one over the Vikings.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS (GM 1)
- Ellie Kleinheinz would record a three run homerun against the Owls in game one.
- Samantha Gaona- Sullivan would record a triple against the Owls in game one.
- Alanis Toledano would record a double in game one against the Owls.
- Ellie Kleinheinz would lead the Vikings in RBIs with three of them in game one.
- Alanis Toledano would record an RBI in game one against the Owls.
HOW IT HAPPENED (GM 2)
Game two of the doubleheader between the Salem State Vikings softball and the Westfield State Owls softball featured another competitive battle, highlighted by a strong push from the Vikings before the Owls held on for a 7–5 victory.
Much like the opener, Westfield State got off to a fast start, scoring three runs early to take a 3–0 lead heading into the bottom of the second inning while keeping Salem State off the scoreboard through the first two frames. The Owls added to their advantage in the third, plating three more runs to build a 6–0 lead.
Salem State responded in a big way in the bottom of the third inning, showing resilience and offensive spark. The Vikings broke through with five runs in the frame, stringing together key hits and capitalizing on opportunities to cut the deficit to just 6–5 and swing the momentum back in their favor with plenty of game left.
Westfield answered with an important insurance run in the top of the fifth inning, pushing the lead to 7–5. From there, both teams continued to battle at the plate, generating hits and chances, but were unable to bring additional runs across.
The Vikings stayed within striking distance and applied pressure throughout the late innings, but the Owls' defense ultimately held firm to close out the game. Salem State's five-run rally and consistent fight kept the contest tight until the final out, showcasing their determination as the Owls secured the 7–5 win to complete the doubleheader sweep.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS (GM 2)
- Ellie Kleinheinz would lead the Vikings in doubles as she would tally 2 doubles in game two against the Owls.
- Tara Perryman would lead the Vikings in RBIs recording 2 RBIs against the Owls in game two.
- Alanis Toledano, Abigail LaClair , Ellie Kleinheinz would all record an RBI in game two against the Owls.
- Ellie Kleinheinz would go 4 for 3 at the plate for the Vikings game two against the Owls.
- Samantha Gaona- Sullivan would also go 4 for 3 at the plate for the Vikings game two against the Owls.
- The Vikings would finish the regular season 27-11 and 12-4 in MASCAC conference play.
UP NEXT
The Vikings would wrap up their regular season play against the Owls, and look forward to the MASCAC playoffs as they secured the 3rd seed in the MASCAC playoffs.