BRIGHTON, Mass. – Simmons softball (21-13, 7-1 GNAC) extended its win streak to seven games with a sweep of Norwich University (4-20, 2-6 GNAC) in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) North Division action on Saturday afternoon.

 GAME 1: SIMMONS 15, NORWICH 2

The Cadets were first on the scoreboard, pushing across a run in the top of the first, but their lead was short-lived. Simmons answered scoring at least two runs in each inning, which included sending eight hitters to the plate in the bottom of the third to put up a crooked number five and take an 11-1 lead.

Simmons received the bulk of their offense from the top of the lineup. First-year Leah Connor and sophomore Raya Anderson went, a combined, six-for-six with five runs scored, while driving in eight baserunners. At the bottom of the order, fellow first-years Emma Soule and A.J. Swett had big days from the bottom of the batting order. Soule went two-for-three with two RBI, while Swett was two-for-two with one RBI and three runs scored.

Senior right-hander Maddie Castigliego helped her own cause, going two-for-three with two runs scored. In the circle, she fanned five Cadets to move to 12-8 on the season.

GAME 2: SIMMONS 8, NORWICH 0

Nearly every member of the Simmons starting lineup recorded a hit in game two of the twin-billing. Connor opened the home half the first with an opposite field, leadoff triple down the right field line then came into the score the first run after Anderson continued her red-hot hitting lining a base hit back where it came from.

The Sharks added another run an inning later. Senior Emma Thacher pulled a single through the left side, just outside of the shortstop's range, then popped into scoring position on an errant throw by the catcher. Two batters later, first-year Anna Gagliastro drove in the Sharks backstop with the game's second run.

Despite having a two-run lead, Simmons broke the game wide open in the bottom of the third. Sending eight batters to the plate, the Sharks' extended their lead to 6-0. With ducks on the pond and two outs, senior Maddie Castigliego captured her 100^th base hit of her career, roping a double to right center, plating two runs in the process. Following a walk to Thach, first-year Teagan Buckley ripped a triple to right center to bring home the two fifth-year seniors. 

Simmons grabbed another two runs in the bottom of the fourth, but it was plenty for first-year right-hander Piper Kinney to grab her seventh win of the season. For the second time in as many days, Kinney tossed a two-hitter while striking out five Cadets in four innings. Fellow first-year Emily Deleault came on to pitch the final inning, and set down the side in order.

SIMMONS HIGHLIGHTS

• Sophomore Raya Anderson went 6-for-6 with a double, four runs scored and seven RBI from the top of the lineup. She registered a career single-game high driving in five base runners in game one.
• Senior Maddie Castigliego became the 18^th player to reach 100 career hits with a two-run double in game two.
• The Sharks first-year class posted a .667 batting average against Norwich, going 12-18 at the plate with nine RBI.

UP NEXT
Simmons returns to the diamond on Wednesday, April 26 when they host Suffolk University. First pitch at 5 p.m.