UMaine Softball Upends UMass Lowell in Game One of Series

ORONO, Maine -- Molly Flowers struck out 11 in a five-inning no-hitter while Alyssa Derrick drove in four to help lead the University of Maine to an 8-0 victory over UMass Lowell in Friday's home opener.

Flowers improves to 8-6 on the year after tossing her second no-hitter of the season.

Derrick finished the game 3-for-3 with four RBI and a pair of runs scored, tallying her seventh home run of the spring. Erika Leonard added three hits, two RBIs and a run in the lead-off spot while Felicia Lennon chipped in a pair of hits and a run.

Maine was quick out of the gate, pushing across three runs in the bottom of the first. Leonard started
the game with a lead-off triple and later scored on Derrick's RBI double to right center. Maddie Decker reached on an error later on the inning which allowed Rachel Harvey and Derrick each to score.

The Black Bears added a pair of runs in each of the second and third innings.

In the bottom of the second, three singles loaded the bases for Maine before Derrick drove in two more on a double to left center.

Leonard's two out single back up the middle in the third plated Lennon and Sarah Coyne, putting Miane on top 7-0.

Derrick put Maine up by eight when she went opposite field with her seventh home run of the spring in the bottom of the fourth.

Flowers struck out three in the top of the fifth to lock down an 8-0 victory for the Black Bears.
Maine and UMass Lowell close out its series tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at noon.