Hudson, NH - The Northern Vermont University-Lyndon softball team opened their 2021 campaign with a neutral site doubleheader against New England College on Wednesday.  The games were played at Presentation of Mary Academy.  The Pilgrims came away with wins in both contests, taking the opener, 19-2, and the nightcap, 11-0.  The twinbill was opening day for NEC as well.

Game 1 - NEC 19, NVU-Lyndon 2

After a scoreless first inning, NEC capitalized on a Hornet error to plate four unearned runs in the top of the second inning.  The Pilgrims then broke the game open with seven more runs in the top of the third, with the big blow a three run home run from Taylor Maher.  The Hornets got on the board in the bottom of the third when Danielle Robinson (Strafford, VT) drew a two-out walk, moved to second on a passed ball, and scored on Victoria Valentine's (East Burke, VT) single through the right side.

NEC continued their offensive attack with three more runs in the fourth inning and five in the fifth.  Monica Andrade's two-run homer was the big blow in the fourth, and the Pilgrims strung together seven hits in the fifth.  The Hornets were only able to add an unearned run in the bottom of the fifth.

Chanel Welch had a big game at the plate for NEC with three hits and four runs batted in.  Emily Nelson also delivered three hits and Destiny Cardona added a pair of hits, three runs scored, and three RBIs.  Valentine and Jaydan Allinson (Miami, AZ) had the only hits for the Hornets.

Taylor Barbour went four innings and struck out seven to earn the win.  Valentine started for the Hornets and suffered the loss.

Game 2 - NEC 11, NVU-Lyndon 0

NEC pitcher Emily Farone kept Hornet bats in check while the Pilgrims plated runs in every inning of the nightcap.  Sarah Ferguson had a pair of hits for NEC and Cardona delivered a triple and 3 RBIs.

Cassie Black (Tolland, CT) and Dyllynn Burton (Plainfield, VT) were the only Hornet base runners through the first four innings.  Each worked Farone for a walk, Black in the first inning and Burton in the third inning.  With two out in the Hornet fifth, Faith Poirier (Portsmouth, NH) singled through the right side for Lyndon's only base hit of the game.

Farone went the distance in the circle, striking out six, to earn the win.  Valentine took the loss for the Hornets.  She allowed only one earned run and five hits over four innings of work.

The Hornets will return to action on Saturday afternoon when they travel to Rivier University for another non-conference doubleheader.  First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 pm.