Softball Earns Pair of One-Run Wins over Lesley

QUINCY, Mass.- The Eastern Nazarene College softball team edged Lesley twice in a conference doubleheader Saturday afternoon at Mitchell/McCoy Field, 2-1 and 3-2.

The Lions improve to 17-15 on the season and 5-1 in the New England Collegiate Conference with the victories. The Lynx slide to 10-12 overall and 2-4 in league action with the results.

Aurora Adams (Fullerton, Calif.) racked up four hits, three RBIs, and one run scored. Alex Schwenger (Danville, Calif.) landed four base hits and scored one run on the day. Danielle Maliszewski (Torrington, Conn.) chipped in with two hits and one run scored. Kiley Ozaki (Ewa Beach, Hawaii) finished with two RBIs and one base knock.

In the matinee contest, Eastern Nazarene rallied to claim a 2-1 walk-off win.

Lesley snagged a 1-0 edge with a run in the top of the third inning. Lindsey Jensen crossed the dish as Megan Murphy reached on an error.

The Lions produced one run to level the contest at 1-1 in the sixth as Adams launched her fourth home run of the spring.

The hosts scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning to walk off with their fourth-straight league victory. With the bases loaded and two outs, Adams delivered a base knock to drive in Maliszewski from third base to clinch the win.

Jennelle Munoz (Lake Elsinore, Calif.) spun a complete game in the pitcher's circle and finished with five strikeouts.

In game two, Eastern Nazarene staved off Lesley's late charge to post a 3-2 victory.

The Lynx manufactured a run in the top of the first inning to claim a 1-0 lead. Mahlia Medina scampered home from third base on an infield hit by Antonia Kieran.

The Lions responded with three runs in the home half of the first to capture a 3-1 advantage. Adams laced a single to left field to plate Schwenger. Ozaki followed with a single to centerfield to score Taylor Brandt (Napa, Calif.) and Bailey Olaveson (Lakeside, Calif.).

Lesley chalked up one run in the seventh to cut the deficit to 3-2. Jordan Day doubled to right-centerfield to drive in Medina.

Chelsea De Martini (Budd Lake, N.J.) started in the pitcher's circle and tossed 2.1 innings while fanning one batter. Munoz worked 4.2 innings of relief and recorded one strikeout.

Up next, Eastern Nazarene treks to New England College April 24.