BRONX, NY -- No. 5 Massachusetts answered back every time No. 6 Saint Joseph's threatened and got out of a seventh inning Hawks rally, defeating Saint Joseph's 8-6 to advance to Semifinal Friday at the Atlantic 10 Softball Championship.

UMass started hot, scoring three in the first, the first two off a Lydia Castro two run double and the third off a Sarah Keagy fielders choice. Keagy added another the following inning with a kean eye to draw a bases loaded walk and put UMass up 4-0.

The game would remain 4-0 until the fifth inning when Saint Joseph's would put up a four spot to tie the game, behind hits from Sierra Fretz, Shelby LaMont, Gianna Muhaw and Kayla Tauber.

A two out error plated a run right back for UMass and a huge Grace Cadden bases clearing triple the inning after would provide all the insurance the Minutewomen needed as they went up 8-4. 

Saint Joseph's did fight back in the top of the seventh, making it a two run game, but UMass pitcher Natalie Horton got the final batter with the tying run on first to extend the Minutewomen's season. 

UMass will play No. 2 Saint Louis tomorrow in our second game at 2:30 p.m. with the winner advancing to the game right after at 5:00 p.m. against the Dayton/Loyola Chicago loser.