Softball Splits Doubleheader at University of New England Friday

BIDDEFORD, Maine- The Eastern Nazarene College softball team split a league twinbill at the University of New England Friday afternoon, prevailing 3-0 in game one before falling 2-1.

The Lions progress to 23-9 on the season and 12-4 in Commonwealth Coast Conference action. The Nor'easters move to 16-14 overall and 9-5 in league play.

Heidi Gomez (Floral Park, N.Y.) finished with a team-high three base hits on the day along with one run scored. Rebecca Ashman (Havre de Grace, Md.) posted one hit, two RBIs, and a stolen base. Jenessa Huerta (El Monte, Calif.) landed a pair of base knocks and swiped a bag. Lauren Clements (Garrison, Texas) and Dominique Santos (Lancaster, Calif.) each contributed with one hit, one RBI, and one run scored.

In the doubleheader-opener, the visitors stymied the home side to claim a 3-0 win.

Eastern Nazarene plated a pair of runs in the top of the second inning to grab a 2-0 advantage. Ashman collected her first RBIs of the season as she roped a two-out double to left-center to drive in Heidi Gomez and Clements.

The Lions tacked on a run in the seventh to widen the gap to 3-0. Rebecca Hayner (Halfmoon, N.Y.) tagged up and scurried home on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Santos.

Elisabeth Schaffer (Benton, Pa.) threw a complete-game shutout and finished with 12 strikeouts while allowing just two hits.

In game two, the University of New England edged Eastern Nazarene 2-1.

The guests quickly took a 1-0 edge, scoring a run in the top of the first inning. Clements laced a single to left field to knock in Santos from third base.

The Nor'easters jumped ahead 2-1 with two runs in the bottom of the second. Caroline Schoenbucher singled to center to drive in Anna Sessa and Caty Flagg.

Lauren Weidler (Lansdale, Pa.) pitched six innings in her ninth start of the year and registered four strikeouts.

Looking, Eastern Nazarene returns home to face Roger Williams April 21 on Senior Day.