Statistics

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Abby Miner [CCC 1st Team] produced a couple of run-scoring hits to pace No.3 University of New England in a 10-0 (5 inning) victory over seventh seed Nichols College in an elimination game [5B] of the 2022 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Softball Championship on Friday afternoon (May 6) at Golden Bear Park.

The Nor'easters (19-22) move on to face No.2 Western New England University immediately, needing two wins over the Golden Bears to reach the league finals.

After two scoreless innings, UNE hung a five-spot in both the 3rd and 4th frames before closing the Bison out early. Nichols made some noise right away, though, getting two in scoring position with one away, but ultimately left the bases full.

Miner put the first dent in the scoreboard during the home half of the 3rd with a two-run double that plated singles by Sami Groves and Makenzy Herron [CCC 1st Team]. Grace Tutt [CCC 3rd Team] singled before the second out of the inning, which continued as two NC errors allowed three more runs to cross for UNE.

Miner, Kate Wilmot [CCC 1st Team], Taylor Depot [CCC 2nd Team], Liz Scheurich, and Becca Dumont notched RBI in the 4th -- either by singles or walks -- before the Nor'easters left them loaded with the 10-run cushion.

Jordan Strum improved to 14-7 in the circle, allowed five baserunners over four innings, with three strikeouts. Joining Miner with two hits was Groves, Herron, and Depot. Tutt's hit in the 3rd marked 21 straight games of safely reaching base.

Chloe Steiniger accounted for two of the three hits for the Bison (14-23). Starting pitcher Alyssa Ouellette lasted 2 1/3 innings to take the loss.