Fontbonne Softball Downs Marshfield with 11-Hit Barrage

The softball team is one win away from clinching another trip to the MIAA Tournament after a 7-5 victory over Marshfield yesterday afternoon at . 

The Ducks scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning thanks to a game-tying RBI triple from Caroline Staples, a go-ahead sac-fly from Kelly Staples and a hustling inside-the-park homer from Taylor Shepherd to give starter Bridget Plouffe enough insurance to finish off the Rams. 

Before the game started head coach Kathy Berardi knew her team was going to be in a tight contest because of the similar styles between the two ball clubs, and as the score changed three different occasions during the game it was easy to see why she was worried. 

"Everything was similar," said Berardi. "I thought it was a mirror image."

Julia Pomella smacked a triple to left and was able to come around on an overthrow into third to pull the Rams ahead 5-4 in the top of the sixth inning.

The Ducks wasted little time in their part of the frame as Callie Cabral led off with a pinch-hit single.

Cabral would be driven in for the game-tying run by Caroline Staples and the second out of the inning was the most productive out of the game as Kelly Staples hit a towering fly ball to left field that easily brought home the game-winner.

Shepherd, who went 3-for-3 on the game with two RBI and three runs scored, smashed a ball to left center well over the outfielders' heads. She came bulling around third and slid in for the two-run lead.

"Usually coach just sends me, because I'm a pretty crazy runner," said Shepherd. "I trust her 100 percent, so I'm on my horse if she tells me to go."

Freshman Becca Olivieri also contributed to the 11-hit barrage with an important two-RBI double in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Plouffe went the distance, scattering eight hits and surrendering five runs (two earned). She struck out two and got some help from her defense at big stages in the game. Shepherd spearheaded a double play in the first inning and Plouffe started a 1-2-3 bases loaded inning-ending double play in the top of the fifth to help the Ducks stay within shouting distance at 4-2.

The Ducks are now 8-5 on the season and have five games remaining, including two against Hanover and one more against these very Rams, and they only need one win to secure a spot in the tournament.  

"We have five good teams," said Berardi. "There are no slouchy teams left."