It had been nearly three weeks since the University of Maine softball team was able to take the field after six games were cancelled due to weather.
They finally returned to the field Sunday, when they travelled to the University at Albany for a doubleheader that was shortened to a single contest. The Black Bears came out on top 2-0. The series was supposed to take place in Maine but had to be moved due to weather, meaning that even though the game took place in Albany, they were still considered home games for the Black Bears.
The Black Bears improved their record to 12-13 on the year with a 1-0 conference mark.
Fourth-year pitcher Alexis Bogdonavich was nearly perfect Sunday, throwing a complete game two-hitter and striking out 10 batters. Bogdonavich improved her record to 7-3 on the season with 81 strikeouts.
The game was a pitcher’s duel that featured the league leading pitcher in Bogdonavich and its third best statistical pitcher in first-year Albany starter Devin Durando.
Bogdonavich is a large reason the Black Bears lead the America East Conference in earned run average with a 2.96 ERA, nearly a point lower than second place University of Maryland-Baltimore County.
The Black Bears drew first blood in the bottom of the third inning. First-year utility player Erica Leonard launched a solo homer off of Durando for her third home run of the year, which ties her for first on the team with third-year catcher Janelle Bouchard and fourth-year infielder Nikki Byron
Leonard was the most successful hitter for Maine on the day, recording two of the three hits that the Black Bears had on the day.
Durando played well, pitching six innings and giving up just one earned run but was outdueled by Bogdanavich. Durando now sits at 7-2 on the year with a miniscule 2.79 earned run average.
The Black Bears scored again in the sixth, though this time the run was unearned. Fourth-year outfielder Emj Fogel led off the inning with a single and advanced to second when third-year catcher Janelle Bouchard walked. They both advanced thanks to a sacrifice bunt and Fogel came up with a heads-up play when she was able to score on a passed ball to give the Black Bears a 2-0 lead.
The error was a rare fielding miscue for the Great Danes, who lead the league in team fielding.
The Black Bears will finish up their series against Albany Monday with a doubleheader. The games will start at 11:30 a.m.