DUDLEY, Mass. (3/27/2026) – The Nichols softball team shined in all areas of the field on Friday afternoon, earning back-to-back wins by run-rule against Gordon College, 9-1 and 8-0 in conference play at the Nichols Softball Field.

With the wins, the Bison improve to 7-9 (3-1 CNE) overall, while Gordon slips to 6-10 (0-2 CNE).

Game #1

Nichols wasted no time taking control in the bottom of the first. After freshman Sydney Hicks worked a leadoff walk and stole second, senior Bailey Littlefield opened the scoring with an RBI double to deep right. Moments later, classmate Allie Silliman followed with an RBI single to make it 2-0 for the hosts. The Bison kept the line moving from there, as Michaela Fortier and Kyla Felicani delivered back-to-back doubles, with Felicani driving in a run to extend the lead to 3-0. Riley Chartier added an RBI single through the left side, and Nichols took full advantage of a Gordon error and wild pitch to plate two more unearned runs, capping a six-run inning and a commanding 6-0 advantage.

Nichols added to its lead in the second inning. After a Ava Slavinsky walk and Littlefield reach on an error, the Bison capitalized again as Allie Silliman delivered her second RBI hit of the day with a base hit up the middle, scoring the lead runner to pushthe lead to 7-0. It didn't stop there for the Bison, who tacked on two more runs in the third inning. Chartier was hit by a pitch to start thing off, and later came around to score on an RBI double from Hicks. Slavinsky followed with an RBI single to right, putting the game well out of reach at 9-0 Bison.

However, Gordon spoiled the shutout bid and broke through in the fourth inning to make it 9-1, but no further as the Bison defense limited the damage and quickly regained control, eventually winning the game in five innings.

Senior pitcher Olivia Pedro (6-3) was dominant in the circle, tossing a complete-game three-hitter. Overall, she allowed just one run while striking out two and did not issue a walk.

Game #2

After two scoreless innings to open the game, Nichols broke through in a big way in the bottom of the third. Senior Mary Jo-Laudati ignited the rally with a leadoff double and moved to third on a wild pitch before Hicks brought her home with an RBI double to center for the game's first run. Ava Slavinsky followed with a double of her own, putting runners at second and third, leading to Littlefield reaching on a fielder's choice and an error that allowed another run to score. Silliman added an RBI single to extend the lead to 3-0, while Fortier delivered the biggest swing of the inning, ripping a two-run double down the left field line. Felicani capped the rally with an RBI single, giving Nichols a commanding 6-0 advantage.

The Bison added to their lead in the fourth inning. Hicks reached on a single, stole second, advanced to third on a groundout, and scored on a wild pitch to make it 7-0.

Nichols tacked on one more in the fifth, as Laudati delivered her second double of the game, driving in Chartier to extend the lead to 8-0, winning the game once more in five innings for the hosts.

That was more than enough for sophomore pitcher Molly Medor (1-5), who turned in a stellar performance in the circle. The right-hander tossed a one-hit shutout, striking out a career-high 11 batters, allowing just two walks over five innings, and retiring 11 of the final 13 batters she faced.

Nichols will hit the road for their next conference test at the University of New England (4-6, 0-2 CNE), which will be held on Monday, March 30^th at Nor'easter Diamond. Game times are set for 3:00 and 5:00 PM.