BIDDEFORD, Maine – University of New England (5-6) edged Saint Joseph's College (2-9), 3-1, in a non-conference softball contest on a brisk Tuesday afternoon.
UNE (5-6) put its first run across in the bottom of the 2nd, when Alexis Kapsambelis grounded out to drive in Anna Sessa. The Nor'easters doubled the lead in the third on an RBI-single down the right field line by Meg Harvey, scoring Avery Alberghini from second base.
After Jordan Strum worked a clean top of the 6th in the circle for the hosts, UNE added a run in the last half of the frame with a one-out walk followed by a couple errors.
The Monks used a lead-off double to the wall in left by Melodie Bailey (Lebanon, Maine) and a two-out RBI single up the middle from Maizie Lee (Saco, Maine) to get on the board in the 7th. Another single up the middle put the potential tying run aboard, but Melissa Sprague fanned the ensuing batter to save the result for UNE.
Alberghini and Sarah Lachapelle topped the Nor'easter lineup with two hits apiece. UNE starter Sydnee Bessler surrendered just two hits and struck out nine over five shutout innings to earn her third win of the season.
For the Monks, Lee was 2-for-3 with an RBI and junior starting pitcher Kate Whitney (Jonesboro, Maine) took the loss after allowing two runs off six hits and three walks with four K's over four frames.
The Monks and Nor'easters will meet for another single game this Friday in Biddeford at 3:00 PM.
THANKS IN LARGE PART TO UNE SPORTS INFORMATION