Babson Park, Mass. – The Framingham State University softball team closed their season this afternoon with a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to host Babson College in nine innings in an elimination game of the NCAA Tournament at the Babson Park Regional.

The Rams (31-13), who defeated Lesley University earlier in the day for the program's first NCAA Tournament victory, close the season with a school record 31 victories. 

The Rams received an outstanding pitching performance from junior Jessica Pietersen (Norton, Mass.) who was locked in a pitcher's duel with Babson's Ali Reilly through nine innings.  Pietersen eventually took the loss allowing just one earned run on seven hits, while Reilly carried a no hitter into the ninth.

Junior Dayna Marchant (East Bridgewater, Mass.) broke up Reilly's no hit bid with a two out infield single in the bottom of the ninth.  Reilly retired the first 20 Rams she faced in the game and did not allow a base runner until junior Megan Downing (Hanson, Mass.) worked a two out walk in the seventh.

The Beavers tallied the only run of the game in the top of the ninth.   Ashley Tango reached on a fielder's choice and moved to second on a wild pitch.  Freshman Tori Roche followed with a double to the gap in right center scoring the game's only run.

Babson improves to 30-15 and advance to face Rowan tomorrow in the Regional Finals.

Release courtesy of Framingham State