The second-ranked Brandeis University women's softball team lost a heartbreaker at home in the opening round quarterfinals of the 2013 Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III New England Tournament, falling to seventh seed Worcester State University 6-4 in 8 innings on Wednesday, May 8 on Marcus Field.

The Judges struck early against Worcester State, capitalizing on a leadoff single from centerfielder Amanda Genovese '15, who scored on a passed ball in the bottom of the first inning to give the Judges a key 1-0 advantage.

Brandeis would double its lead one inning later when second baseman Leah McWilliams '14 hit a single that deflected off the Worcester third baseman's glove. In that inning, however, the Judges were not able to keep momentum going and extend their lead, as they failed to score again, even with the bases loaded and only one out.

Behind starter Melissa Nolan '14, who allowed only one hit in the first five innings, the Judges looked to be in cruise control until Worcester State pushed across a run in the top of the sixth when Worcester State freshman second baseman Hayley Terry singled home their first run with two outs.

Nolan was spared any further trouble when Genovese corralled a sinking line drive to retire the side. Worcester State refused to go away and pushed across the tying run just one inning later when sophomore left fielder Katie Storro singled down the right field line to bring in an unearned run that tied the game at two.

Nolan finished the night with an impressive line-seven innings pitched, five hits, two runs (one earned), three strike outs, and only one walk-however was left with a no decision after the game was tied with Worcester State down to their last strike.

The late-inning heroics of Storro forced the game into extra innings, but not before the rain began to fall, which ultimately forced a 20-minute delay that disrupted play in the top of the eighth inning.

The Judges might have wished that the delay came earlier, as Worcester State scored two runs, one unearned, off pitcher Casey Ducinski '13 before the game was paused. Both runs scored on back-to-back wild pitches that slipped from the hand of Ducinski, who was trying to deal with a soaked softball that ultimately proved decisive in the outcome of the game.

"The rain was a huge factor in the loss for us, so it isn't exactly how I want to picture my last game," said Ducinski, who gave up four runs in her one inning of relief and took the hard-luck loss.

Worcester State would score twice more in the top of the eighth to extend its lead to 6-2 before Brandeis responded with two of its own in the bottom half of the inning that brought the game to its final score of 6-4.

Though there would be no more scoring for the rest of the game, there were certainly a few more twists in the competition's plot.

The Judges began the bottom of the eighth with successive extra base hits that brought in a run, beginning with a leadoff double from McWilliams who scored on Genovese's triple into the right field corner. The Judges would tack on a second run in the frame when Ducinski stepped to the plate and singled to third to bring the Judges within two runs.

At this point, it seemed that the Judges were in a position to potentially make the momentum count and embark on a comeback, as they were pushing the visitors to their limits.

However, Worcester State junior pitcher Hannah Everson neutralized the threat when she induced three straight groundouts to seal the upset victory for the visiting team and resultingly consign the Judges to a defeat that ultimately ended their successful season.

With the loss, Brandeis ends its season with a 23-19 overall record and a fourth place finish in the University Athletic Association.

However, a bright future is on the cards for the young squad, as everyone but Ducinski will return next year.

For Ducinski, however, the only senior on the team, this season represented the chance to build strong relationships with her teammates, which she felt she accomplished.

"Whenever I could give advice I was more than willing and happy to," she said of her role as a mentor for the younger members of the team.

"I only wished to provide my teammates with the tips I wish I had been told earlier in my career."

Although she was saddened by the loss and the end to her Brandeis softball career, Ducinski had positive reflections on the season as a whole and appreciated the tributes that were paid to her.

"Even though the loss was tough, I am an optimistic person and will always remember my best games of the season and overall career."

She also cited Senior Day as being "incredible. The recognition I received from all the parents, my family, friends, teammates and coaches was so heart-warming. I could not have asked for anything better. Having all eyes on me that day was extremely rewarding."