Recap by student-staff writer Rich Rosa 

RINDGE, N.H (4/13/2024) -- The Franklin Pierce softball team captured a doubleheader sweep against American International College Saturday afternoon to improve to 17-9 on the season. 

Score (Game 1): Franklin Pierce 8, AIC 0 (F/5 Innings)
Score (Game 2): Franklin Pierce 10, AIC 9 
Records: Franklin Pierce (17-9, 6-4 NE-10), AIC (9-15, 3-9 NE-10) 
Location: Rindge, N.H (Melissa Bisaccia Memorial Softball Complex) 
Date: Saturday, April 13, 2024 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

• In Game 1 of the doubleheader, Franklin Pierce struck first in the bottom of the first when freshman designated player Georgia Clough (Barriere, British Columbia) had an RBI triple, scoring senior catcher Ashley Cangiano (North Attleboro, MA). In the bottom of the third, senior infielder Haley Bigwood (Athol, MA) hit a solo shot to left field for her third home run of the season to make it 2-0 Franklin Pierce. The Ravens added a run in the bottom of the fourth to make it 3-0. 

• In the bottom of the fifth, Franklin Pierce took a 4-0 lead when senior infielder Susannah Campos (Lemoore, CA) had an RBI single, scoring sophomore outfielder Amy Jones (San Diego, CA). Next, junior first basemen Anna Erikson (Temecula, CA) had an RBI double, scoring Andie Anderson (Phoenix, AZ) to make it 5-0 Ravens. In the bottom of the sixth, Cangiano had an RBI single, scoring Bigwood to give the Ravens a 6-0 lead. Then, Clough had a 2 RBI double, scoring Cangiano and junior outfielder Bella Williams (Phoenix, AZ) to give Franklin Pierce the 8-0 mercy-rule win. 

• In Game 2, it was a back and forth affair between the Ravens and the Yellow Jackets. Both teams scored two runs in the first inning. Williams had an RBI single, scoring Bigwood. Then, Clough had an RBI sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Williams. The Ravens got their first lead of the game when Campos had a 2 RBI pinch-hit double, scoring Clough and junior infielder Lita Vorseth (Mesa, AZ). 

• In the top of the fourth, the Yellow Jackets scored six runs to take a 9-4 lead. In the bottom of the fourth, Cangiano hit a three-run shot to right center field to cut the Yellow Jackets lead to two. 

• In the bottom of the sixth, the Ravens scored three runs. Vorseth had an RBI single, scoring Williams. Cangiano tied the game at nine when she scored from third on a passed ball. Next, senior pitcher Sam Sylvester (Morris, CT) drew a walk, then was caught in a rundown and stole second. This prompted Anderson to steal home to give the Ravens a 10-9 lead. In the top of the seventh, AIC had the bases loaded, but Franklin Pierce held on to win their fourth straight game. 

BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS: 

• In Game 1 of the doubleheader, senior pitcher Sabrina Gonzalez (Chandler, AZ) pitched her fifth complete game of the season and claimed her eighth win. She pitched six scoreless innings and gave up one hit, two walks, and struck out one batter. 

• Franklin Pierce outhit AIC 11-1. 

• Bigwood went 2 for 3, scored two runs, and had an RBI. Clough went 2 for 3 with three RBIs. Cangiano went 1 for 3 with an RBI and scored two runs. 

• In Game 2, freshman pitcher Kennedy Morris (Stafford, CT) got the start for the first time in her Franklin Pierce career. She pitched 3.2 innings, and gave up eight hits, eight runs, three walks, and struck out three batters. Clough came in relief and pitched 3.1 innings and gave up only one hit, no runs, seven walks, and struck out two batters. Clough picked up her second win of the season. 

• Franklin Pierce outhit AIC 10-9 in game two. The Ravens had two errors. 

• Cangiano went 2 for 4 with three RBIs and scored two runs. Vorseth went 2 for 4 with an RBI and scored a run. 

NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: The Ravens remain at home as they have a doubleheader matchup Sunday, April 14, against St. Rose. Game one is at noon, followed by game two at 2 p.m.