CLERMONT, Fla. – The New England College softball team concluded their 2023 spring break trip at The Spring Games in Clermont, Florida with an 11-2 win over Union College at Legends Way. Earlier in the day, the Pilgrims lost to the Vikings of Lawrence University, 12-4. NEC concludes their spring break schedule with a record of 5-7.
GAME 1 – LAWRENCE 12, NEC 4
- The Pilgrims took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third against the Vikings when freshman third baseman Bella Sciuto (Bedford, N.H.) stole third base and then scored on a bad throw from the catcher.
- Tied 1-1 in the top of the fifth, Sciuto doubled to left-center to drive in senior left-fielder Monica Andrade (Escondido, Calif.), once again putting the 'Grims on top.
- Down 4-2 in the top of the sixth, NEC freshman first baseman Bella Kieran (Salem, N.H.) singled up the middle to plate freshman pinch-runner Ariana Cray (Merrimack, N.H.). On the very next at-bat, Andrade hit an RBI groundout to bring in graduate shortstop Destiny Helmedach (Middlefield, Conn.), tying the game at 4-4. But a devastating bottom of the sixth inning would see the Pilgrims fall late.
- NEC sophomore pitcher Olivia Olson (North Haven, Conn.) gave up just two earned runs in four and two-thirds innings.
GAME 2 – NEC 11, UNION 2
- Down 1-0 in the bottom of the first against the Dutchwomen, the 'Grims tied the game when freshman centerfielder Grace Giesler (La Mirada, Calif.) scored from third on a wild pitch, then took the lead when freshman designated player Emma Lopez (Downey, Calif.) scored on an RBI groundout from senior first baseman Taylor Maher (Piscataway, N.J.).
- In the bottom of the second, NEC capitalized on Union miscues to score four unearned runs, capped off with a two-RBI single from Maher to plate Helmedach and senior catcher Emily Gagne (Portsmouth, N.H.), giving them a 6-1 lead.
- In the bottom of the fourth, Maher picked up her fourth RBI of the game on a single through the left side to bring home Giesler. Now with the bases loaded, the 'Grims would reel off four more runs on a hit-by-pitch drawn by Andrade, a bunt single from Sciuto, a drawn walk from Cray and a walk drawn by Giesler, making her second plate appearance of the inning, taking a commanding 11-2 lead.
- NEC freshman pitcher Houstyn McConaghy (Lincoln, R.I.) picked up the win, allowing just two earned runs in five innings.
UP NEXT
- NEC returns to New Hampshire on Sunday and will be back on the field on Wednesday when they travel to Rivier University for a 5:00 p.m. double-header.
