LEESBURG, Fla. (3/15/24) – The Nichols College softball team concluded its spring training trip to Florida with a two-game sweep on Friday afternoon at the Sleepy Hollow Athletic Complex. The Bison defeated Milwaukee School of Engineering through six innings, 11-3, in its first game of the afternoon, before edging out a 2-0 shutout over Earlham College to close out their week in the sunshine state.

The Bison return home to Dudley with a 4-6 record to start the season.

Game #1 vs Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)

Trialing the Raiders 1-0, Lily Fangel got the Bison on the board in the top of the fourth, knocking a run-scoring single. The Bison didn't stop there, as one more run made its way home on a second RBI single from Emily Iannuccilli, which gave Nichols its first lead of the day, 2-1.

After the Raiders tied the game 2-2 in their half of the fifth inning, the Bison piled on the runs in the top of the sixth. With no outs, and runners at first and second, Hannah Cozza reached first on an error by the MSOE right fielder, eventually advancing to second as a result of the play. A short time later, pinch hitter Mackenzie Jackson hit into a ground out to the shortstop but plated the runner from third to make it 4-2 Bison. Nichols proceeded to score two more runs before Allie Silliman put the game out of reach with a three-run double to the gap in left center field, bringing the score to 9-2 Bison.

Cozza and Jackson both recorded second RBI singles prior to the end of the inning, which boosted the Bison to an eventual win by mercy rule, 11-3.

Junior Chelsea Indyk (3-1) collected the win in the circle against the Raiders, piecing together a full six-inning effort with two strikeouts.

Game #2 vs Earlham College

The afternoon closer was defensive battle through the first four innings, with the Bison and the Quakers combining for just five hits during that span. However, Nichols would move in front during the bottom half of the fifth inning after back-to-back singles by Iannuccilli and Ava Slavinsky put runners on base, bringing Felicani up to the plate. The Freshman outfielder then plated both baserunners with a double to left field, putting Nichols ahead 2-0.

The defensive game continued for Nichols the rest of the way, as Earlham would fail to register another hit. To complete the shutout, starting pitcher Olivia Pedro retired the final Earlham batter with a strikeout, which was her only one of the afternoon.

Pedro (1-3) picked up her both her first win and first complete game of the season, registering a three-hit shutout from the circle.

Upon returning home to Dudley, the Bison will have just over a week off before hosting Wellesley College in their home opener on Tuesday, March 26^th at the Nichols Softball Field. The matchup will feature two games, which are set for 3:00 and 5:00 PM starts.