Norwich (5-11, 5-1 GNAC) won the first game 6-2 to briefly extend its winning streak to five straight games. However, the Monks (10-10, 5-3 GNAC) rallied in the nightcap with a seven-run sixth inning to rally to a 9-4 win and salvage a split of the season series.

In Game 1, Norwich rallied from an early 2-0 hole to score the next six runs, including five in the top of the sixth inning to take the victory. Freshman Mallori Cesario (Bradenton, Fla.) launched her first collegiate home run, while fellow rookie Emily Oliver (Sagamore Hills, Ohio) drove in two runs and picked up the victory in the circle.

 

Oliver won her third straight start, going all seven innings surrendering eight hits and two earned runs while walking two and striking out two. She leveled her record to 3-3 on the season.

In Game 2, Norwich built up a 4-2 lead, but Saint Joseph's (Maine) finally cracked freshman pitcher Rachel Johnson (Stockbridge, Vt.) in the bottom of the sixth with seven runs to take a 9-4 lead it would hold onto in the top of the seventh.

Freshman Naomi Rinaldo (Middlefield, Conn.) led the Norwich offense with a 2-for-4 game at the plate and scored two runs from the leadoff spot. Sophomore Sarah Perry (New Bedford, Mass.) had a RBI, as did Morris. Oliver also went 2-for-3 from the dish with a run scored to lead the Cadets' offense in the nightcap.

Johnson went six innings giving up six earned runs on six hits and six walks while striking out seven Monks. She fell to 2-7 on the season on the mound.

Norwich is tied for second place in the GNAC standings with Albertus Magnus. Saint Joseph (Conn.) leads the GNAC with a perfect 6-0 mark. The Cadets face a big test at home on Tuesday, April 12 when they host Suffolk at 3 and 5 p.m. on the NU Softball Field. Suffolk is 3-1 on the year in GNAC play so far.