Softball Splits NECC Doubleheader with New England College

REVERE, Mass.- The Eastern Nazarene College softball team notched an 8-0 victory before falling 10-7 in extra-innings in a league series against New England College Saturday evening.

GAME ONE
THE BASICS:
Score: Eastern Nazarene 8, New England College 0
Records: Lions (11-12, 4-1 NECC) | Pilgrims (8-11, 0-1 NECC)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Eastern Nazarene chalked up a run in the bottom of the first inning to establish a 1-0 lead.
• The Lions picked up a pair of runs in the third to widen the margin to 3-0.
• Eastern Nazarene added two runs in the fourth inning to stretch its advantage to 5-0.
• The Lions tallied three runs in the home half of the fifth to clinch the 8-0 win.
  

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Taylor Brandt (Napa, Calif.) posted three hits, two RBIs, and two runs scored.
• Caoimhe Wernsing (Brockton, Mass.) collected three base knocks, two RBIs, and one run scored.
• Jennelle Munoz (Lake Elsinore, Calif.) finished with two hits, one RBI, and one stolen base.
• Alex Schwenger (Danville, Calif.) notched a pair of hits and scored a run.
• In the pitcher's circle, Jennelle Munoz (Lake Elsinore, Calif.) spun her eighth complete game of the spring and recorded four strikeouts while allowing just three hits.

GAME TWO
THE BASICS:
Score: Eastern Nazarene 7, New England College 10
Records: Lions (11-13, 4-2 NECC) | Pilgrims (9-11, 1-1 NECC)


HOW IT HAPPENED:

• New England College produced three runs in the top of the first inning to capture a 3-0 lead.
• Eastern Nazarene responded with three runs in the bottom of the frame to level the score at 3-3. Alex Schwenger (Danville, Calif.) launched a three-run homer to drive in Darcy Castro (Garden Grove, Calif.) and Caoimhe Wernsing (Brockton, Mass.).
• The Pilgrims plated one run in the third to reclaim the lead, 4-3.
• New England College added a run in the fourth inning to double its advantage to 5-3.
• The Pilgrims chalked up a run in the top of the sixth to widen the margin to 6-3.
• The Lions rallied to score three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie the contest at 6-6. Taylor Brandt (Napa, Calif.) laced a single to right field to knock in Alexys Giddings (Kuna, Idaho) from third base. Caoimhe Wernsing (Brockton, Mass.) followed with an RBI groundout to plate Daitriana Gongora (Bridgeport, Conn.). Bailey Olaveson (Lakeside, Calif.) delivered a two-out, base knock to drive in Taylor Brandt (Napa, Calif.) for the equalizing tally.
• New England College generated four runs in the eighth to claim a 10-6 lead.
• Eastern Nazarene managed one run in the bottom of the eighth to cut the deficit to 10-7. Darcy Castro (Garden Grove, Calif.) crossed the dish on an RBI groundout by Alexys Giddings (Kuna, Idaho).

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Alex Schwenger (Danville, Calif.) racked up three RBIs, three hits, one run scored, and two stolen bases.
• Taylor Brandt (Napa, Calif.) finished with three base knocks, one RBI, one run scored, and a stolen base.
• Alexys Giddings (Kuna, Idaho) chipped in with one hit, one RBI, and one run scored while Darcy Castro (Garden Grove, Calif.) scored a pair of runs.
• Jennelle Munoz (Lake Elsinore, Calif.) tossed five innings and struck out five batters before Morgan Bruner (Litchfield, N.H.) worked three innings of relief.

UP NEXT:
Eastern Nazarene takes on Albertus Magnus April 10 in a non-conference doubleheader.