WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (3/13/2025) – On a sunny day at the 2025 Spring Games, the Nichols Bison Softball team secured two victories, improving to 6-2 on the season. The wins came against Regis (MA) 12-4 and Swarthmore 4-3, marking the Bison's best start to a season after eight games since the Hall of Fame 1991 program.
 
Game 1: Nichols vs. Regis (MA)
In the opener against familiar opponent Regis, the Bison came out strong with the bats, putting up a 5-1 lead in the first inning. The Bison ran through their entire lineup in the first frame, with Sarah Dupre, Chloe Steiniger, Sydney Manzione, Allie Silliman, and Kyla Felicani all crossing the plate. After exchanging runs with the Pride in the fourth, the Bison erupted for three more in the fifth inning, triggering the run-rule and ending the game early.

The winning run came courtesy of senior Erin Gour, who hit a double to right field, allowing Ava Slavinsky to score the 12th run. With the victory, the Bison improved to 22-3 all-time against Regis, with their last loss to the Pride occurring in 2010.

Silliman, Iannuccilli, and Pericello each recorded two hits to lead the offense. On the mound, Molly Medor started the game, facing 10 batters and striking out four in two innings of action. Ally McNamee earned the win in relief, facing 13 batters and striking out two. This marked McNamee's first win of the season.

 
Game 2: Nichols vs. Swarthmore
In their second game of the day, the Bison faced a tough Swarthmore team. The game quickly became a back-and-forth affair in the second inning. Both teams scored, with Ava Slavinsky hitting a key two-out single through the infield that allowed Bailey Littlefield and Kyla Felicani to score, giving the Bison a 2-0 lead. Swarthmore responded by tying the game at two.

In the third inning, the Bison regained the lead when Sydney Manzione's single drove in Chloe Steiniger. The Bison extended their advantage in the sixth inning, as Erin Gour hit a sacrifice fly to bring Emily Iannuccilli home for what would be the game-winning run. Swarthmore added a run in the seventh but couldn't catch the Bison.

Ava Slavinsky led the Bison offense with three hits and two RBIs. Chelsea Indyk pitched all seven innings, striking out seven and allowing only eight hits, improving her season record to 3-1. Slavinsky also eclipsed the 100 career hits mark with her final hit of the day.


The Bison will close out their time in Florida tomorrow, March 14th, with games against Ohio Northern University at 9:30 AM and Washington College (MD) at 2:15 PM in Bartow, Florida.