Softball Sweeps Becker in Extra Innings

LEICESTER, Mass. -- Mitchell College swept a doubleheader at Becker College on Sunday afternoon by scores of 3-0 and 7-5 in eight innings in New England Collegiate Conference softball action.

The wins lifted Mitchell's record to 11-14 (7-3 NECC) while Becker dropped to 8-14 (5-3 NECC).

After three scoreless innings in the opener, Mitchell junior Lindsey Romagnino cranked a home run to center field to give the Mariners a 1-0 lead. She later secured the lead and the win in the sixth inning when she cracked a double to left field to drive in the game's final two runs.

Freshman pitcher Brittany Fiederlein recorded her second shutout of the season, scattering seven hits in a complete game performance. Becker starter Kelsey Norberg suffered the loss, giving up three earned runs on just five hits while striking out seven.

In the second game, Mitchell sophomore Rivkah Berkman led off with a base hit. Romagnino followed with her second double of the day to score Berkman and give the Mariners a 1-0 lead.

The Hawks were quick to answer to the 1-0 deficit with a double to left field by Jessica Brochu, scoring Jackie Orangio and Lauren Lavalle to put the Hawks in front 2-1.

After Jessica Wheelahan and Katherine DiMascio got on base by way of a single and a walk, Brochu continued to steer the Hawks in the third inning, driving a single to left field for two RBI.

Mitchell got back on the board with three runs in the top of the fifth. Berkman got on base when she ripped a RBI single to right field and later scored by stealing home. With the bases loaded, sophomore Emily Morenzoni reached on a fielder's choice and drove in Romagnino--who previously got on base with a single to left field--to tie the game at 4-4.

Becker took a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the sixth when Katelyn MacLean plated Marlena Karavolis with a RBI single to right field. The Mariners then tied the game in the top of the seventh when Romagnino scampered home on a fielder's choice.

In the eighth, the Mariners secured the win with RBIs from Berkman and sophomore Jenny Groman. Berkman finished 4-for-5 in the game at the leadoff spot to pace the Mitchell offense.

Fiederlein earned her second win of the day after pitching two scoreless innings of relief. Starter Tricia Tomaselli gave up three earned runs on 10 hits over 6.0 innings and struck out two in the no decision.

Mitchell will next travel to Lesley University on Thursday, April 17 to play a makeup doubleheader beginning at 3:30 p.m.