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Sports

After Sweeping Hartford, UMBC Softball Now Needs Help From Hawks

To secure a playoff berth, the Retrievers need Hartford to beat Maine next weekend in Orono, ME.

The irony of the situation was not lost on UMBC softball coach Joe French Saturday afternoon.

After a 5-10 start to the America East Conference schedule, his Retrievers came into the final weekend of their regular season needing a three-game sweep of Hartford (8-32, 2-13 AEC), the last-place team in the conference.

French's team completed that sweep with a 4-0 win, behind another masterful performance by senior pitcher Stephanie Weigman, on Sunday.

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But now, UMBC needs Hartford to pick itself up, dust off, and beat Maine for the Retrievers to secure a playoff berth.

"If we control what we do, we force the other team to have to control what they do," French said.

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UMBC has games against East Carolina and Longwood on May 7, but the Retrievers (25-21, 8-10) are finished with conference play. If Maine (17-29, 6-8) can take two of three from the Hawks, the Black Bears will receive the conference's final playoff berth, leaving the Retrievers out of the tournament.

Now, UMBC must become fans of the team they just beat to keep their season alive. French was cautiously optimistic about the upcoming series, which begins Saturday, May 7.

"I dont think Maine hits like us," French said. "If somehow Hartford can go out and win game one, that forces Maine to have to win game two and game three. They got to win two."

The Retrievers are only in this position because of a five-game winning streak that coincided with the health of the team improving.

Shortstop Amy Metcalfe is back in the starting line up after breaking her hand twice, French said.

"She's just got so much range at shortstop," French said. "It kind of...was able to put us a little tighter (defensively)."

The return of Metcalfe allows slugger Jessica Warner to move from short to her natural position at third base. Warner, who went 5-for-10 in the weekend series, said the team is "relaxed," and at its best right now. But she knows the late-season comeback is not yet complete.

"We have to wait and see how Maine does," Warner said.

Quote of the Week

“You’ve got to win your games. You’ve got to put pressure on Maine, who has the bye this week. Why let them clinch? I told the girls, if you go out and take care of your business, you force Maine to go out and and win...You force the team that’s ahead of you to have to win. -- UMBC softball coach Joe French, whose team swept Hartford in a weekend series but now needs help from those Hawks, who must take two of three from Maine (17-29, 6-8 America East Conference) for the Retrievers (25-21, 8-10) to earn a playoff berth.

Line of the Week

7 innings, 5 hits, 0 ER, 2 K -- UMBC softball pitcher Stephanie Weigman (16-12), who pitched the 10th shutout of her career on her Senior Day, 4-0 win over Hartford.

Top Tweet

"http://twitgoo.com/28o288 Our hot ride up 2 Albany. Representing the hometown. Hopefully a win today we won't have 2 come back next week" -- @kellyberger, UMBC women's lacrosse coach Kelly Berger, before the Retrievers lost 12-11 to Albany Saturday. The loss stripped the team of a potential home game in the America East Conference Tounrament.

For the Record

UMBC women's lacrosse attack Erika Braerman, whose assist versus Albany gave her 57 in her career, tied for third in school history.

Player to Watch

UMBC lacrosse goalkeeper Brian McCullough, who allowed double-digit goals in a 10-6 loss to Hartford. It was the first time McCullough allowed 10 or more scores since a 16-5 loss to Stony Brook April 1. McCullough and the Retrievers play the Hawks in the first round of the America East Conference Tourament on Wednesday.

Game to Watch

UMBC men's lacrosse (6-6, 3-2 AEC) goes right back to Hartford (9-6, 3-2) Wednesday for a first round game with the Hawks. Opening face-off is 7 p.m. The game will be webcast by Fox1370.com.

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