FRAMINGHAM, Mass. – Simmons softball (9-8-1) closed out the weekend with a doubleheader sweep of non-conference Framingham State University (5-7) on Sunday afternoon.

Sophomore Jordyn Rubin slugged her third homerun of the season in a 3-1 game one victory, while the Sharks utilized an eight-run fifth inning to seal game two, 12-3.

GAME 1: Simmons 3, Framingham State 1

The Rams jumped on the scoreboard first, pushing across one run in the bottom of the second. It could've been two, but first-year Raya Anderson gunned down Ally Gruca at the plate to minimize the damage.

Simmons carried that momentum into the top of the third, taking advantage of a couple Framingham State mistakes. Senior Alex Morang lined a single through the left side, then came around to tie the game on an opposite field double off the bat of senior Alli Mulhern. Moments later, Mulhern scored the go-ahead run on an error by the right fielder to give the Sharks the 2-1 lead.

Rubin added an insurance run for the Sharks, slugging her third homerun of the year in the top of the sixth, but it was more than enough for senior right-hander Maddie Castigliego. Retiring the last seven batters she faced, Castigliego fanned a season-high eight Rams to earn her seventh win of the season.

GAME 2: Simmons 12, Framingham State 3

In game two of the twin-bill, the Rams once again were first on the board, scoring three runs in the first two innings. With a three-run cushion, Framingham State starter Caroline Hughes kept Simmons hitters off balance through the first three innings.

However, in the top of the fourth the Sharks batted around to put up a crooked number four. Junior Sam Barr began the inning with a base-hit back where it came from then got herself into scoring position swiping second. Two batters later Mulhern brought Barr in with a single into center field to start the scoring for the Sharks.

Senior Shannon McMahon knocked Hughes from the game, roping a double into the left centerfield gap, but the damage was far from over. After senior Christie Bott walked to load the bases, Castigliego worked a two-out walk to bring in Mulhern to cut the deficit to 3-2. Moments later McMahon came in with the tying run after senior catcher Emma Thacher drew another bases loaded walk. The Sharks took the lead, 4-3, with Bott scoring on a fielder's choice. 

The Sharks offense did not let up, putting up an eight spot in the top of the fifth to give Castigliego her eighth win of the year.

SIMMONS HIGHLIGHTS

• Senior right-hander Maddie Castigliego registered a season-high eight strikeouts in game one to earn.
• Castigliego finished the day with 11 strikeouts after striking out three in game two.
• Sophomore outfielder Jordyn Rubin hit her third homerun of the season – and second of the week – in the top of the sixth in game one.
• Rubin went 3-for-6 with a homerun and three runs scored on the day.
• Senior Christie Bott finished the day going 3-for-7 with a double, two RBI and a run scored.

GAME NOTES

• Simmons batters walked six times in game two's 12-3 win.

UP NEXT
Simmons opens Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action on Wednesday, hosting Emmanuel College. First pitch is slated for 5 p.m.