Softball Drops Two at NEC

HENNIKER, N.H. – The Mitchell College softball team dropped a doubleheader at New England College on Saturday afternoon, falling by final scores of 6-0 and 10-2 in New England Collegiate Conference action at Old Concord Field.

In the opener, a nightmare fourth inning proved costly for the Mariners, as Lesley erupted for six runs on five hits. Daelyn Ross supplied a three-run homer to highlight the rally, and starting pitcher Emily Farone allowed only three hits over 7.0 scoreless frames.

Mitchell's offense produced two runs in the nightcap, but it wasn't enough to keep pace with the Pilgrims. NEC plated 10 runs on 11 hits and ended the game early thanks to the eight-run mercy rule.

Mitchell (13-17, 2-4 NECC) will next host Lesley University on Sunday, April 24 at noon.

Game 1 – NEC 6, Mitchell 0

Mitchell starter Katelyn Lipsky cruised through the first three innings, allowing only one base runner via a hit by pitch. Things changed in the fourth as the Pilgrims put up four runs before a single out was recorded, punctuated by the homer from Ross. The final two runs came with two outs, as a double by Naomi Medrano and a bunt single by Olivia Olson each yielded runs.

The Mariners struggled to get anything going at the plate. Gemma Landry had two of her team's three hits, but Mitchell never got a runner past second base.

Lipsky, who didn't allow another hit after the fourth, finished the game with nine strikeouts against three walks. She dropped to 5-9 overall on the season.

Game 2 – NEC 10, Mitchell 2 (5 innings)

Mitchell produced its first run of the day with two outs in the first. Landry reached base on a double to right-center and scored on a triple by Brooke Whitmarsh.

The Mariners didn't make it out of the first inning with the lead, as NEC countered with a pair of runs in the home half to pull in front. After the Pilgrims added a run in the second to go up 3-1, Mitchell responded with an RBI single by Nene Capeles in the third.

NEC pulled away with two runs in the third and five more in the fourth, extending its lead to 10-2 heading into the fifth inning. Olson then pitched around a walk to keep the Mariners off the scoreboard to end the game early.

Mitchell starter Emily Reynolds took the loss, surrendering 10 runs on 11 hits over 4.0 innings. Her record fell to 8-7 overall on the year.