MANCHESTER, N.H.—The Southern New Hampshire University softball team split a Northeast-10 Conference doubleheader with the visiting River Hawks of UMass Lowell on Wednesday afternoon, winning game one 7-6 before falling 5-3 in the nightcap. The Penmen now stand at 6-14 overall and 4-2 in NE-10 play, while the River Hawks set their record to 16-12 overall and 2-4 in league play.
With the game tied 6-6 in the bottom of the seventh in game one, Morgan Farmer (Kingston, N.H.) hit a single to left field that scored pinch-runner Brittany Young (Merrimack, N.H.) to win the game. Kelsea Cheney (Abington, Mass.) led the Penmen with three hits, while Cristy Jenkins (Hudson, Mass.) and Farmer each finished game one with two hits apiece.
Kelsey Griffin (Scarborough, Maine) earned her third-straight win in the circle, allowing six earned runs, seven hits, and five walks while striking out five. UMass Lowell pitcher Elyssa Boris took the loss, giving up seven earned runs and 11 hits while striking out four.
Meagan Guy and Caelyn Ford each connected for two hits in game one. Guy and Krista McKenzie hit back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning.
In the nightcap, the Penmen took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning, as lead-off batter Elena Anderson (Salem, Wisc.) connected for a solo home run. She was then followed up by a single by Cara Daly (Plainville, Mass.), who then scored a home run by Jessica Douillette (Concord, N.H.).
Down 3-2 entering the seventh inning, Guy and McKenzie would both reach on walks. Both base runners would score on Boris's three-run home run to take the 5-3 lead. The Penmen were unable to answer in the bottom of the seventh.
Dolores Mattice (Schenectady, N.Y.) took the loss in the circle, sacrificing six hits, four earned runs, and five walks while striking out six. Boris earned the win in relief after relieving Rachel Schafler who pitched five innings and gave up three earned runs, four hits, and one walk.
The Penmen return to action on Friday, April 8 as part of a four-game homestand, hosting Merrimack College in Northeast-10 Conference action. Game times are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
