SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts - It was an intense battle, and at the end, the American International College softball team and Southern Connecticut State University each came away with a win, as the Yellow Jackets took game one of the Northeast 10 Conference doubleheader 7-6, while the Owls grabbed game two 10-0 in five innings on Tuesday, April 15.

AIC is now 12-22 overall and 8-14 in the NE10.

The Owls scored first in the second inning, with a bases loaded hit-by-pitch after a pair of walks sandwiched a double, but AIC was able to avoid any further damage thanks to a groundout.

In the third, AIC used small ball to tie the game. Julia Krijgsman worked a one-out walk and took second on a wild pitch, then scampered to third on a groundout. Isabel Kahli Robinson then laid down a perfect bunt up the first base line, reaching safely and scoring Krijgsman.

The offenses caught fire in the fifth. The Owls started it with a walk, double, single, and sacrifice fly to plate a pair, but AIC answered with four runs in its half. Marilyn Augusta and Mikayla Doucette hit back-to-back singles, and Doucette scored as Krijgsman drove an 0-2 pitch into right field. Lauryn Ramalho then laid down another bunt, reaching safely, and not only did everyone else advance, but Brianna Salazar, who had pinch-run for Doucette, scored after the Owls third baseman mishandled the throw. Nevaeh Trejo then finished the rally with a two-run single through the right side to give AIC a 5-3 lead.

Just as quickly, the Owls flipped the script. A single, sac bunt, and error put two on, and Gianna Iaquinto smacked a fly ball to center that bounced off the top of the fence and over for a three-run shot that gave the visiting team a 6-5 lead. 

AIC responded again. Brooklyn Cividanes worked a six-pitch walk, and then Doucette smashed a 2-2 pitch into the right-center gap for an RBI double. The designated player took third on a passed ball, and scored when Ramalho singled up the middle, giving AIC a 7-6 lead.

In the seventh, the Owls put the tying and go-ahead runs on with walks, forcing AIC to make a pitching change. Makenna Slate was up to the task, inducing an infield fly and a groundout to shut the door and earn the save, with Deirdre Curley garnering the win in relief.

Southern Connecticut went to work in game two, scoring three in the first, and adding one in the second, two in the third, one in the fourth, and three in the fifth to earn a run-rule 10-0 win. Macey Burns and Krijgsman each had a hit in the setback.

AIC will hit the road for the next four as the Yellow Jackets visit Southern New Hampshire University for four games on April 18 and 19; the first of the two on Saturday begins at noon.