When and Where: March 25, 2021, Hooksett, N.H. (SNHU Softball Field)
Game 1 Score: Assumption University 4, Southern New Hampshire University 1
Game 2 Score: Assumption University 4, Southern New Hampshire University 2
Records: Assumption 2-0 (2-0 NE10), SNHU 0-2 (0-2 NE10)

The Southern New Hampshire University softball team opened its 2021 slate at home on Thursday, dropping a pair of games to Assumption University, 4-1 and 4-2.

KEY MOMENTS - GAME 1

• Assumption's Brooke Murphy walked in the top of the first inning and stole second.  After a double by Alyssa Beaton, Murphy scored on a bunt by Alyssa Bialakis.
• The Penmen drew even at 1-1 in the home second inning.  SNHU loaded the bases on a walk to junior Emily Carbonneau (Lowell, Mass.), a single by freshman Shannon Gifford (Goffstown, N.H.), and a walk to sophomore catcher Abi Gray (Litchfield, N.H.).  A sacrifice fly by freshman Bella Dickinson (Scarborough, Maine) plated Carbonneau, but that would be all the Penmen would score in that frame and the game.
• The Greyhounds used a three-run third to reclaim the lead taking advantage of some wildness by senior pitcher Olivia Strasser (Rutland, Mass.).  

KEY MOMENTS - GAME 2

• SNHU took a 2-0 lead in the first inning of the nightcap.  After a pair of walks to freshmen Alyssa Dimauro (Chester, N.H.) and Gifford, senior Chloe Griffin (Scarborough, Maine) singled in a run with Gifford coming across on a wild pitch.
• Assumption made it 2-1 in the top of the third inning when Beaton singled to score Jordan Dwyer.
• The Greyhounds took the lead in the sixth with a pair of runs.  McKenzie Richards singled and scored on a double by Beaton.  A sacrifice bunt and a sacrifice fly allowed Beaton to score what proved to be the game-winner.  Abigail Larson doubled and scored an insurance run in the seventh inning.

NOTES

• The games were the first of the season for both SNHU and Assumption.  The teams will also play a doubleheader on April 8.   
• All four starting pitchers went the distance on Thursday.  Mia Nowicki allowed one run on five hits in the opener to earn the win.  Erin Berry allowed two runs on three hits in the nightcap.
• Strasser (0-1) allowed four runs on seven hits, walking nine, and striking out four batters in her season debut.
• Griffin (0-1) was in the circle for the second game, allowing eight hits.  It was her fourth career start for the Penmen and first loss.
• All eight hits in the doubleheader for the Penmen were singles.  Griffin and Gifford each had two hits in the doubleheader.

UP NEXT

• The Penmen are scheduled to host Stonehill College in a pair of doubleheaders on Saturday, March 27, and Sunday, March 28.

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