Recap by student-staff writer Rich Rosa 

RINDGE, N.H (4/27/2024) – Following a celebration for their senior players, the Franklin Pierce softball team put together a double header sweep over the University of New Haven Saturday afternoon. It was a pitcher's dual through both games but the Ravens secured the 1-0 win in game one, followed by a 2-1 walk-off victory in game two.     

Score (Game 1): Franklin Pierce 1, New Haven 0
Score (Game 2): Franklin Pierce 2, New Haven 1 
Records: Franklin Pierce (27-13, 14-8 NE-10), New Haven (7-35, 3-19 NE-10)   
Location: Rindge, N.H (Melissa Bisaccia Field)
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024

HOW IT HAPPENED:   

• In Game 1 of the doubleheader, junior outfielder Bella Williams (Phoenix, AZ) hit a solo home run to left field for her first homer of the season to make it 1-0 Franklin Pierce. This proved to be the difference maker in game one as it was a pitcher's duel the rest of the way. The Ravens secured the game one victory 1-0 over the Chargers.

• In Game 2, New Haven scored first in the top of the fourth. Senior infielder Meg Anderson reached on a fielder's choice and freshman outfielder Brianna Trueman scored from third base.

• In the bottom of the sixth, senior infielder Haley Bigwood (Athol, MA) had an RBI sacrifice fly to left field, scoring freshman pitcher Kennedy Morris (Stafford, CT) to tie the game at one. In the bottom of the seventh, senior infielder Molly Magnette (Ayer, MA) had an RBI walk off single as she bunted to the pitcher's circle on the first pitch she saw and beat the throw to first. Sophomore outfielder Andie Anderson (Phoenix, AZ) scored from second base to give the Ravens the 2-1 win.

BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS:   

• In Game 1 of the doubleheader, senior pitcher Sabrina Gonzalez (Chandler, AZ) pitched her tenth complete game and picked up her fourteenth win of the season. She pitched seven scoreless innings, gave up two hits and struck out one batter.

• Both teams had two hits. New Haven had one error.

• Senior catcher Ashley Cangiano (North Attleboro, MA) went 1 for 3. Williams scored the only run as she hit a solo home run in the first inning.

• In Game 2, senior pitcher Samantha Sylvester (Morris, CT) pitched five innings and picked up her seventh win of the season. She gave up two hits, one run, one walk, and struck out five batters. Morris came in relief and pitched two scoreless innings.

• Franklin Pierce outhit New Haven 4-2. New Haven had one error.

• Anderson went 2 for 3 and scored a run.

NEXT FOR THE RAVENS:   

• The 2024 NE-10 playoffs begin on Tuesday, April 30, and the Franklin Pierce Ravens will face off against the Southern Connecticut State Owls at Melissa Bisaccia Field in Rindge, New Hampshire. First pitch is to be determined.