Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Sophomore Marie Mantelli (Thompson, Conn.) stroked a two-run single to key a six-run third inning as the University of New England earned a split with an 8-1 victory over the University of Southern Maine in game two of a non-conference doubleheader Wednesday afternoon at Claude Dubois Field.

Southern Maine (5-15) scored 14 runs over the second and third innings to cruise to a 16-6 win in the opener.

After a ground-rule double by first-year Katie Davis (Woburn, Maine) gave Southern Maine a 1-0 lead in the nightcap, the Nor'easters (15-5) seized control in the home half of the third. In addition to Mantelli's two-RBI single, first-year Megan Gauger (South Paris, Maine) produced a run-scoring single and UNE took advantage of an error and a wild pitch to plate its three other runs.

That was all the offense sophomore Erin Lyons (Salem, N.H.) would need. She improved her record to 6-3 by scattering six hits and striking out six Huskies.

Sophomore Hannah Mackintosh (Wilton, N.H.) took the loss for USM. She allowed six hits and four walks while fanning four. 

Davis was the lone repeat hitter for the contest, adding a single to her run-producing two-bagger.

The Husky offense was on full display in the opener. USM batted around in both the second and third frames as 14 runners crossed the plate.

USM pounded out seven hits in the second, including a two-run triple by junior Sarah Cusack (Wells, Maine) and a two-run homer to left by sophomore Lauren DiCecco (South Berwick, Maine). 

The Huskies took advantage of four UNE errors in the next inning to score six more times. Junior Sarah Deroche (Portland, Maine) drove home a pair with a triple down the right-field line.

UNE scored four times in the home half of the fifth but it was not enough as the game was halted after five due to the eight-run rule.

Davis and sophomore Cerise Humphrey (Fryeburg, Maine) led USM's 16-hit attack with three apiece. Sophomore Jessica Hayden (Madison, Maine) had two hits and scored three runs, while Deroche and senior Chelsie Eugley (Thomaston, Maine) combined for four hits and five RBI.

Deroche was credited with the pitching win to even her ledger at 4-4. Sophomore Julie Bigelow (Montpelier, Vt.) was saddled with the loss for the Nor'easters.

First-year Sabrina Congram (Leominster, Mass.) had three hits and two runs batted in to lead the UNE offense. Senior Jenn Waldecker (Hooksett, N.H.) added a pair of singles.

Southern Maine returns to play tomorrow with a non-conference doubleheader at Salem State College (3 p.m.).

The Nor'easters host Nichols College for a The Commonwealth Coast Conference double-dip Saturday at noon.