ORONO, Maine – Sophomore pitcher Brianna Roberts scattered two runs on just one hit and struck out five batters, leading Binghamton (33-16) to a 3-2 win over Maine (5-40) in a second-round game at the America East Tournament on Thursday afternoon at the Maine Softball Complex. With the victory, the Bearcats advance in the winner's bracket and will face UAlbany on Friday at 11 a.m. The Great Danes defeated UMass Lowell 10-0 in five innings earlier in the day.

Roberts – who missed the previous three weeks due to an injury – allowed only six total base runners during the game. The victory marks her first career triumph in the America East Tournament and improves her record this season to 9-6.

The one hit that Roberts did allow, however, was a two-run home run by Caitlyn Fallon in the top of the fourth inning. That put the Black Bears ahead 2-0.

Binghamton responded in the bottom of the same inning by plating three runs. Sophomore designated hitter Emma Lawson tied the score on a two-run home run over the left field fence. Three batters later, sophomore outfielder Bella Farina doubled home the go-ahead run.

Lawson has now homered in two straight America East Tournament games. She also homered in an elimination game against the Black Bears last year.

Roberts bounced back from the home run and retired 12 of the final 14 batters she faced.

"We know that no matter what happens (during a game) that we have a lot of fight, so I was really happy how we responded after Fallon hit that two-run home run," head coach Jess Bump said. "We had some really great at-bats in the fourth inning and I was really proud of how the middle of our lineup did in that inning. I was also happy with the way that Brianna responded after allowing that home run."

Maine starting pitcher Isabelle True held the Bearcats hitless until the bottom of the fourth inning. She left the game, however, after Farina's double and her record fell to 2-10. Alysen Reith pitched 2.1 scoreless innings in relief.

Lawson, who is now batting .364 for the season, finished the game against Maine 1-for-2 with a walk. Redshirt junior outfielder Lindsey Walter, who scored on Lawson's home run, also finished the game 1-for-2.

With the victory, Binghamton is assured of it's first top-three finish at the America East Tournament since 2017.