CLERMONT, Fla. -- Simmons Softball picked up their first shutout win today against the Northwestern College Eagles 6-0 as freshman Lauren Backhaus (Windsor, Conn.) showed her strength on the mound, moving the Sharks to an overall record of 2-6.

The Sharks faced Misericordia University in the first game of the day. The Cougars took an early lead off a two-run homer by Seiler. But the Sharks responded in the top of the second off doubles from Cailin Pagel (Dorchester, Mass.) and Ari King (Westford, Mass.).

Misericorida added three runs in the bottom of the second to take the lead 5-2 and shutout the Sharks in the third and fourth innings. Simmons picked up a run in the fifth when Cougars pitcher walked Backhaus with the bases loaded.

Down 8-3 in their last at bat, the Sharks added three runs, with Emily Cunnigham (Cotuit, Mass.) and Christina Mulcahy (Cambridge, Mass.) hitting a single and double, respectively, to get the inning started. Senior Amanda Gould (Kingston, N.H.) singled to left field to drive in E. Cunningham before first year Alaina DeNoncour (Johnston, R.I.) doubled to center field to drive in two runs but the score remained 8-6.

The Sharks faced Northwestern College (Minn.) in the second game of the day, picking up their first shutout win of the season. Backhaus pitched all seven innings, striking out 10 batters and allowing only five hits.

At the plate, E. Cunningham tripled to centerfield to break a 0-0 game in the top of the third inning, sending King across home plate. The Eagles remained scoreless as the Sharks added their second run in the fifth when Hannah Cunningham (Cotuit, Mass.) doubled down the left field line and crossed home plate on an error at second base.

Simmons found its offense in the sixth adding four runs, starting with a single by Katie McCarthy (Falmouth, Maine). McCarty advanced to second on an error and then stole third to set up a scoring opportunity freshman Jen Field (Windham, Maine) who singled, driving in McCarthy and King to end the scoring at 6-0.

The Sharks return to the field today against Moravian College at 11:00 a.m. and Oswego State at 1:00 p.m. in Clermont, Florida.