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BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Sydnee Bessler hurled five shutout innings with nine strikeouts as the University of New England picked up a 3-1 softball triumph over Saint Joseph's College of Maine in the first-ever game at Nor'easter Diamond on Tuesday afternoon (Mar. 26).

UNE (5-6) put its first run across in the bottom of the 2nd, when Alexis Kapsambelis grounded out to drive in Anna Sessa. The Nor'easters doubled the lead in the third on an RBI-single down the right field line by Meg Harvey, scoring Avery Alberghini from second base.

After Jordan Strum worked a clean top of the 6th in the circle for the hosts, UNE added a run in the last half of the frame with a one-out walk, infield single, and throwing error.

The Monks (2-9) used a lead-off double to the wall in left by Melodie Bailey and a two-out RBI single up the middle from Maizie Lee to get on the board in the 7th. Another single up the middle put the potential tying run aboard, but Melissa Sprague fanned the ensuing batter to save the result for UNE.

Alberghini and Sarah Lachapelle topped the Nor'easter lineup with two hits apiece. Bessler surrendered just two hits on the way to her third positive pitching decision.

Lee's hit in the final at-bat for SJC was her second of the day. Kate Whitney took the setback in the circle.

UNE is slated to entertain Bates College for a doubleheader on Thursday (3 p.m.).