Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 SPRINGFIELD, Mass.(April 21) – Western New England rallied in both games for a doubleheader sweep of Nichols in The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) play on Thursday afternoon. The Golden Bears won the first game 9-8 in the bottom of the ninth, and tallied six runs in the sixth inning for a 12-7 victory in game two.

Western New England has won 13 straight and is now 24-12 overall with an 18-4 TCCC record. The Bison slip to 18-15 on the year and are 13-7 in conference.

Game 1 – Western New England 9, Nichols 8 (9 inn.)

The Golden Bears opened the scoring in the first on a two-run home run to centerfield by junior outfielder Rachel Wyrwa. Wyrwa now has 12 home runs on the year, setting a new single season school record. She led the way offensively, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and a pair of runs scored.

Nichols answered with four runs in the top of the third, highlighted by freshman shortstop Emalee Watkins (Malden, Mass.) who hit an RBI double down the left field line that scored sophomore outfielder Barbara Roy (Springfield, Mass.).

The Bison took a 7-2 edge in the fourth on a two-run single to centerfield by senior third baseman Mary Kate Frodema (Springfield, Mass.). Frodema was 4-for-5 with three RBI in game one.

The Golden Bears cut the lead to 7-5 with three unearned runs in the fifth, and then tied the score in the seventh on an RBI single by sophomore shortstop Jeana Longo.

After trading runs in the eighth inning, Wyrwa hit a single up the middle to plate sophomore outfielder Laura Madiao with the winning run.

Junior pitcher Alyssa Obin earned the win in relief to improve her record to 7-2 on the year.

Game 2 – Western New England 12, Nichols 7

The Bison took an early edge with a pair of runs in the first and another run in the second as freshman outfielder Amanda Broughton (Plymouth, Mass.) scored after belting a triple down the right field line.
The Golden Bears took a 4-3 lead after loading the bases with no outs in the bottom half of the third; senior catcher Elyse Gauvin drew a walk, Madiao singled home a run, and senior third baseman Angela Monaco was hit by a pitch.

Nichols fought back again to hold a 7-6 lead after five innings.

Western New England plated six runs on six hits in the home half of the sixth inning to seal the win. Madiao doubled to right center to plate two runs. She went 3-for-4 in game two with three RBI and two runs scored.

Sophomore pitcher Rachelle Fecteau pitched 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief to earn the win.

Western New England returns to action on Saturday (Apr. 23), traveling to TCCC leader Endicott for a doubleheader scheduled to get underway at noon. Nichols will host conference foe Eastern Nazarene Saturday for a noon TCCC doubleheader.

Story courtesy Western New England Sports Information


Game One Box Score

Game Two Box Score