BRISTOL, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Softball team split a Conference of New England doubleheader with Nichols on Saturday afternoon at Paolino Field, taking game one 4-1 before falling 1-0 in game two.
Game One – RWU 4, Nichols 1
Roger Williams responded early and controlled the opener behind timely extra-base hitting and a strong outing from Raegen Germano.
After Nichols struck first in the top of the first inning, the Hawks answered immediately as Hailey Williams singled and later scored on an RBI triple by Shannon Starratt to tie the game at 1-1.
Roger Williams broke the game open in the third inning when Starratt delivered again, launching a two-run home run to give the Hawks a 3-1 advantage.
The Hawks added an insurance run in the fourth, as McKenzie Foley tripled and came around to score on an RBI double from Williams to extend the lead to 4-1.
Williams led the offense with a 3-for-3 performance and two runs scored, while Starratt finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs, accounting for the majority of the scoring.
In the circle, Germano earned the complete-game win, allowing one run on five hits while striking out seven over seven innings.
Game Two – Nichols 1, RWU 0
The nightcap turned into a pitcher's duel, with both teams limited offensively throughout.
Nichols broke through in the fourth inning on a solo home run, which proved to be the only run of the game.
Roger Williams threatened multiple times, collecting six hits, including two from Starratt and additional hits from Williams, Madison Tucholski, Grace Forsythe, and Madison Moran, but were unable to capitalize with runners in scoring position.
Natalie Lundari turned in a strong performance in the circle, allowing just one run on seven hits over a complete game, but was saddled with the loss.
Roger Williams combined for 10 runs on 13 hits across the doubleheader, using a balanced offensive attack and strong pitching in the opener before being edged in a tightly contested second game.
Roger Williams (19-13, 11-7 CNE) will take on Salve Regina on Tuesday, Apr. 28 at 3:00 pm for a non-conference doubleheader. The Hawks will then face off against Bridgewater State on Wednesday, Apr. 29, before rounding out the regular season on Saturday, May 2 at 12:00 pm.
