College softball

MAINE vs. BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Time, site: 3 p.m., Kessock Field, Orono

Records: Maine 8-35 (7-7 America East); B.U. 26-15 (12-2)

Last meeting: B.U. 5-0 and 8-3 April 9

Top hitters – Boston University: Melissa Dubay (.367, 5 HR, 27 RBIs), OF April Setterlund (.356, 1 HR, 12 RBIs, 13 SB), OF Shayne Lotito (.328, 4 HR, 19 RBIs, 16 SB), Rachel Hebert (.219, 2 HR, 16 RBIs); Maine: 2B Ashley Waters (.350, 9 HR, 28 RBIs), CF-P Alexis Souhlaris (.290, 6 HR, 13 RBIs, 11 SB), SS Kristen Calvetti (.284, 2 HR, 16 RBIs), C-DH Whitney Spangler (.282, 2 HR , 19 RBIs, 6 SB)

Pitching Matchups

B.U. Terriers Maine Black Bears

ERA W-L Ks ERA W-L Ks

RH Cassidi Hardy 2.09 12-5 104 RH Jenna Balent 4.26 5-12 67

RH Kelley Engman 2.96 6-4 46 RH Alexis Souhlaris 4.68 2-10 29

Outlook: The Black Bears are one home run away from tying their school record for homers in one season with 31. Maine is right in the playoff hunt, tied with UMBC for the fourth and final playoff spot and one game out of third. A victory over the No. 1 team would certainly help team confidence and momentum down the stretch. The key to beating the Terriers is keeping their speedy leadoff hitters off the basepaths. The Terriers have 54 steals in 67 attempts. Maine’s offense has been potent, but it will likely have to scrap to score against B.U. ace Hardy.