DUDLEY, Mass. (4/28/2026) – The Nichols softball team turned things around in the second game of their non-conference doubleheader at Framingham State on Tuesday, defeating the Rams 9-3 after falling in the opener, 7-2.
With the split, Nichols moves to 15-21 (8-10 CNE) on the season.
Game #1
The Rams introduced themselves with a big second inning, stringing together four hits to plate three runs and take early control of the game.
Nichols responded in the third, as
Emily Iannuccilli led off with a single and later came around to score on an RBI knock from
Ava Slavinsky to cut the deficit to 3-1. The Bison threatened further in the inning, but were unable to capitalize.
After a scoreless fourth frame, Nichols inched closer in the fifth.
Sydney Hicks reached on an error and advanced into scoring position before
Bailey Littlefield delivered an RBI double, pulling the Bison to within one, 3-2. However, Framingham State answered decisively in the bottom half of the inning, erupting for four runs on five hits. RBI doubles and aggressive baserunning, including a steal of home by Amanda Roche, extended the lead to 7-2 and put the game out of reach.
The Bison were held in check over the final two innings, managing just one baserunner the rest of the way.
In the circle,
Olivia Pedro (9-9) took the loss, allowing six runs over 4.1 innings with a pair of strikeouts, while
Alyssa Pericello provided 1.2 innings of relief.
Game #2
The second time around, Nichols wasted no time getting on the board early, capitalizing on a host error to plate three runs in the opening inning. Hicks ignited the offense with a walk and stolen base before coming around to score, while
Michaela Fortier and
Sydney Manzione each drove in runs to give Nichols the quick 3-0 lead.
The Bison tightened their grip in the third, as
Bailey Littlefield tripled and later scored on an RBI single from Fortier to extend the lead to 4-0. Framingham State answered with a run in the bottom half, but yielded another run in the fourth when
Mary Jo-Laudati delivered an RBI single to put the Bison ahead 5-1. After adding another run in the fifth on an RBI double from Manzione, Nichols broke the game open in the sixth inning. The Bison plated three runs on a combination of timely hitting and defensive miscues, highlighted by RBI singles from Manzione and
Riley Chartier to stretch the advantage to 9-1.
Framingham State pushed across single runs in the sixth and seventh innings, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.
Nichols finished with 14 hits in the contest, led by strong performances throughout the lineup. Manzione and Fortier each went 3-for-4 at the plate with a combined five RBI, while Hicks scored three runs and swiped four bases.
Molly Medor (6-11) picked up the complete-game victory in the closer, tossing all seven innings while striking out five batters.
Sotball will turn right back around to host Endicott College (21-11, 14-4 CNE) in their final home game of the 2026 season, with start times of 2:30 and 4:30 PM.
