CLERMONT, Fla (3/10/24) – On the opening day of their spring trip to Florida, the Nichols College softball team kicked off the 2024 season with a two-game split. The Bison shook off the rust with a 15-7 loss to UMass-Dartmouth, only to cap off the evening with a 3-0 shutout win over Ithaca College at Legends Way Ballfields.

Nichols opens the trip with a 1-1 overall record.

Game #1 vs UMass-Dartmouth (15-7 | Loss | 6 innings)

The Bison were challenged right off the bat against the Corsairs, who pushed across six runs in the first inning. However, the Bison quickly found themselves back in the ballgame thanks to a two-run homer by junior infielder Erin Gour, which spearheaded a four-run top of the second inning for Nichols to cut the Corsair lead down to two runs. UMass-Dartmouth would add two more runs in the bottom half of the inning.

Trailing 9-4 in the top of the fourth inning, Nichols plated three runs to pull back within two at 9-7. Sophomore Emily Iannuccilli delivered the first RBI after reaching on a fielder's choice, which then set up sophomore Allie Silliman for a two-run double shortly thereafter. Nichols would not gain any more ground the rest of the way, as the Corsairs stacked on another six runs in the sixth inning to win by a run rule.

Sophomore Olivia Pedro started in the circle for the Bison, tossing 1.2 innings with three strikeouts. Freshman Ally McNamee made her collegiate debut in relief, pitching the remaining 3.1 innings with six runs allowed on three hits.

Game #2 vs Ithaca College (3-0 | Win)

Three runs were all it took for the Bison against the Bombers, all of which arrived in the bottom of the second inning. Silliman led off the frame with a single to center field before advancing to second on a wild pitch. In the next at-bat, Mackenzie Jackson took a stray pitch off the shin to earn a free pass to first, setting up a two-runners on scenario for Gour. Both runners then made their way home after Gour connected for a two RBI double to right-center, putting Nichols ahead 2-0. Gour would also cross home plate prior to the end of the inning, following an RBI ground-out by senior Lilly Fangel.  

Junior Chelsea Indyk was lights out from the circle, fanning seven total batters across a 6.2 inning span while allowing no runs on six hits for her fourth career shutout. Freshman Ally McNamee assisted in securing the final out of the game, earning her first collegiate save.  

Nichols will now face Wisconsin-Platteville (6-0) and Occidental College (1-7) on day two (Monday, March 11) of their spring trip. Game times are set for 12:30 PM and 2:45 PM respectively at the Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex in Leesburg, Florida.