DURHAM, N.C. – Helped by a strong performance at the plate, the 25th-nationally ranked Boston University softball team rolled to a doubleheader sweep with victories over Michigan State and Villanova by a combined score of 17-2 Friday afternoon at the Duke Invitational.

The Terriers (12-0) continued their program best start to a season by first run-ruling the Spartans (5-7), 9-1, and then defeating the Big East preseason favorite Wildcats (3-6), 8-1.

Graduate student Caitlin Coker led the offense batting 4-for-5 with a double and homer, while classmate Lizzy Avery also collected four hits alongside her third career save. Coker matched freshman Kylie Doherty and sophomore Brooke Deppiesse at four RBIs apiece. 

In the circle, graduate student Allison Boaz (4-0) tallied six strikeouts against two walks in a complete-game effort against the Spartans, and sophomore Kasey Ricard (6-0) tallied five strikeouts without allowing a walk in 4.1 innings of work. The opponents combined for just seven hits against the duo with a solo homer in the first inning of each contest.

GAME 1: #25/RV BU - 9, Michigan St. - 1 (5 inn.)

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Spartans struck first with a two-out, solo homer on a full-count pitch but would only manage two hits the rest of the way.
• BU grabbed the lead for good in the bottom half with four runs off four hits, starting off with senior Kate pryor singling through the left side with two outs on a 3-2 pitch to plate Coker.
• Doherty followed with a two-RBI double and reached home on Deppiesse's RBI single to right.
• In the second, Roncin singled up the middle with two outs and scored on Coker's two-run homer to right.
• Graduate student Audrey Sellers extended the lead to 7-1 in the bottom of the third on a two-out RBI double to right center.
• MSU tried to mount a rally in the fourth with a one-out single and walk, but Boaz ended the threat with a strikeout and ground out.
• In the bottom half, Coker led off with a single, took third on Avery's single to right center and scored on Pryor's RBI sac fly.
• Freshman Kyomi Apalit replaced Avery as a pinch runner and eventually scored on Deppiesse's RBI double.
• Boaz sealed the run-rule victory with a fly out, strikeout and ground out.

GAME 2: #25/RV BU - 8, Villanova - 1

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Villanova started off the game with a lead-off homer but would only manage three hits the rest of the game against the Terriers.
• BU needed little time to grab the lead for good, as senior Lauren Keleher singled to third, took second on classmate Kayla Roncin's sac bunt and scored on Coker's RBI double to right.
• Avery followed with a one-out RBI single and eventually scored on Doherty's RBI double down the right field line for the 3-1 advantage.
• The Wildcats had their best opportunity in the fifth to mount a rally, earning a lead-off single and advancing the runner on a sac bunt.
• Avery though replaced Ricard in the circle and got the Wildcats to hit into a 6-3-5 double play.
• BU pulled away in the bottom half with five runs off four hits.
• Coker plated Keleher on a RBI single, helped Roncin score as part of a double steal and reached home on Doherty's RBI single.
• Deppiesse added a two-RBI single to bring home both Doherty and Pryor.
• Avery earned a pair of strikeouts in the top of the sixth and quickly retired the side in the seventh for the save.

UP NEXT

• The Terriers will conclude the Duke Invitational on Saturday (Feb. 24), first facing Elon at 12 p.m. and then the No. 6/8 Blue Devils at 5 p.m.
• BU will face the Phoenix for the first time ever and will battle a Duke squad that has allowed just two runs over the last eight games.
• Both contests will be streamed on ACC Nextwork Extra.