Sharks Split with Rivier

NASHUA, N.H. -- Simmons softball split with the Rivier College Raiders Saturday afternoon losing the first game 13-5 and rebounding to take the second 7-6 in Great Northeast Athletic Conference action. Emily Cunningham (Cotuit, Mass.) hit two home runs and Hannah Cunningham (Cotuit, Mass.) added another as the Sharks completed their regular season with an overall record of 23-14, and 19-7 in the conference.

NASHUA, N.H. -- Simmons softball split with the Rivier College Raiders Saturday afternoon losing the first game 13-5 and rebounding to take the second 7-6 in Great Northeast Athletic Conference action. Emily Cunningham (Cotuit, Mass.) hit two home runs and Hannah Cunningham (Cotuit, Mass.) added another as the Sharks completed their regular season with an overall record of 23-14, and 19-7 in the conference.

The Raider's offense exploded in the first game right out of the gates with the best performance coming from sophomore Hillary Tarr who went three for four at the plate with two doubles and three RBI. On the mound the Raiders were once again led by junior Nadjeska Reynolds who threw four solid innings and held the Sharks to only five runs.

For the Sharks their offensive leader was their first basemen sophomore E. Cunningham who went two for two with a double and a home run with three RBI and two runs scored. Sophomore Katie McCarthy (Falmouth, Maine) also had a strong game behind the plate and with the bat going two for three with a double and 2 runs scored.

The second game the Raiders got off to a slow start that the Sharks took full advantage of and never let go even with a dramatic late game rally that ended the game with Reynolds being gunned out at home. Junior Amanda Thornton also had a big day at the dish going three for four in the second game with a home run and two RBI.

Once again the offense was led by E. Cunningham who hit her second home run of the game and finished three for four with and five RBI. Leading the Sharks on the mound was a strong pitching performance behind freshman Amanda Cordeiro (Fall River, Mass.) who tossed a complete game while only allowing six runs from the Raiders.

The Sharks return to action next week in the start of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference tournament.