HENNIKER, N.H. – Graduate third baseman Destiny Helmedach (Middlefield, Conn.) of the New England College softball team set the school career record for runs batted in as the Pilgrims split their double-header against visiting Rivier University in non-conference action on Tuesday evening at Old Concord Road Field in Henniker, New Hampshire, winning game one, 8-3, before falling short in the nightcap, 5-2.
The Pilgrims run their record to 10-18 while the Raiders are now 14-18.
STANDOUTS

• In the top of the first, Helmedach, already the school's all-time leader in career hits and runs, came to the plate and hit a sacrifice fly to right field to drive in freshman centerfielder Grace Giesler (La Mirada, Calif.). With that run batted in, Helmedach passes former NEC great Renee Hellert with 123. Helmedach would later crush a two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning to finish the day with 125 total. The third baseman crossed home plate three times over the two games, after going two-for-five.
• Giesler tallied five hits on the day, including a triple to lead off game one, with two RBIs. The star rookie already entered the day ranked in the top five in the nation in triples per game, and her seven triples on the season will rank her third in the country at press time.
• NEC freshman catcher Emma Lopez (Downey, Calif.) had four hits on the day, while senior first baseman Taylor Maher (Piscataway, N.J.) went three-of-six.
• NEC junior pitcher Jocelin Vachon (Manchester, N.H.) picked up the win in game one while sophomore Olivia Olson (North Haven, Conn.) pitched three shutout innings.
• NEC freshman second baseman Ashleigh Lemay (Derry, N.H.) added three hits and an RBI.

UP NEXT

• NEC is back on the field on Thursday when they play host to Lesley University in a crucial New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) double-header.

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