Game One – NEC 10, NU 6

The Cadets struck first in game one when Madison DeCota homered to left field, giving Norwich an early 1-0 lead after the opening inning. The 'Grims' bats were quiet through the first two frames, with senior Emma Lopez (Downey, Calif.) providing the only early offense via a double up the middle.

In the circle, sophomore Amanda Magro (Phoenix, Ariz.) settled in with three strikeouts in the bottom of the second, stranding one runner.

Magro then helped her own cause offensively in the top of the third with a single to right field. Junior Kate Gagne (Portsmouth, N.H.) and senior Grace Giesler (La Mirada, Calif.) both reached to load the bases for Lopez, who delivered once again with a hit to the outfield that cleared the bases and put NEC ahead 3-1. Norwich answered in the bottom half, tying the game at 3-3 with two runs.

Junior Sydney MacLean (Keene, N.H.) sparked the fourth inning, doubling to left-center before advancing to third on a single by senior Surena Montero (Bakersfield, Calif.). MacLean later scored on a fielder's choice, giving NEC a 4-3 lead and what would become the game-winning run.

NEC added insurance in the fifth as Gagne, Giesler, and Lopez all contributed with a triple, double, and single, respectively, plating two more runs despite leaving two runners on base.

The teams continued to trade runs, with Norwich scoring three over the final innings. However, NEC answered in the seventh with two runs from Montero and freshman Makayla Halley (Ventura, Calif.) to secure the 10-6 victory.

NEC tied its season high with 15 hits. Magro earned her seventh win of the season, marking a new single-season career high, while allowing three walks and striking out eight.

Game Two – NEC 7, NU 4

NEC came out hot in game two, scoring four runs in the first inning on three hits. After two of the first three batters reached, Halley drove in runs with a single to center field. With two outs, junior Abigail Grimes (Baltimore, M.D.) singled to right, putting Halley on third. Junior Sonia Garcia (Victorville, Calif.) followed with a base hit up the middle to drive in both runners.

Norwich responded in the bottom half with two runs to cut the deficit to 4-2.

NEC added two more runs in the third, again highlighted by Garcia, who reached on a single, moved to third on an error and a throw, and helped extend the lead to 6-2. Norwich answered once again, scoring two runs while leaving two runners on base.

In the following inning, sophomore Mackenzie Yirrell (Methuen, Mass.) entered in relief of freshman Kendal Cote (Charlestown, N.H.), who pitched three innings. Yirrell allowed two hits but was backed by solid defense as NEC stranded two runners.

NEC added its final run in the fifth when Lopez was hit by a pitch, advanced on a wild pitch, and scored on a Grimes single to the left side.

Four 'Grims each recorded a stolen base, and Yirrell earned her first win of the season after throwing four innings, allowing no runs and just four hits.

NEC will have Monday off before returning to Henniker on Tuesday for a weekday doubleheader against Bay Path, with first pitch scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.