Benoit's Grand Slam Takes Down Hornets

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass — Caitie Benoit has pretty much reached unpitchable status for the Mount Greylock softball team this year. She proved that again on Friday, blasting a grand slam in the third inning to carry the Mounties to a 13-1 home win over McCann Tech. 

The senior catcher went 4 for 4 on the day with four RBI and three runs scored, raising her season batting average to a remarkable .750 in the process. She already has four home runs on the season as Greylock has jumped out of the gate with a perfect 6-0 record. 

"We were able to get things going offensively in the third inning," Mounties head coach June Blake said. "We loaded the bases, which really set the stage for Caitie's bases-clearing home run. Caitie has been getting it done at the plate for us, and Heather [Tomkowicz] pitched another great game today." 

Tomkowicz held the Hornets (1-3) to just one hit and one run on the day, striking out nine and walking none to improve her record to 6-0 this year. Junior shortstop Anna Penna (two hits) started things off in the third with a single. Michaela DiNicola attempted to bunt her over in the next at bat, but she was able to reach on an error. Tomkowicz then loaded the bases with an infield single before Benoit blew the game open with one swing of the bat. 

McCann stayed in the game until the bottom of the fifth, when Greylock struck for five more runs to open a 9-0 lead. Senior Alyssa Mangiardi and freshman Miranda Voller each went 3 for 4 with two RBI and two runs scored for the Mounties.

"It was a tough game against a very good Greylock squad," Hornets head coach Robin Finnegan said. "Their pitching was outstanding. We put in a good effort, but Greylock was just too strong."

Senior Erika Ziemba took the loss for the Hornets, allowing five earned runs on 12 hits. She stuck out three batters and walked one. Senior outfiedler Maria Denault had a solid day at the plate, going 1 for 2 and scoring the visitors' only run of the game. 

Greylock next plays at undefeated St. Joe's at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. McCann returns to action on Monday with a home game against Gateway at 1 p.m. 
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