New England College softball split a nonconference double-header with visiting Johnson State College Friday afternoon as the Badgers would take game one 2-1, while the Pilgrims would grab the 11-4 game two victory.

With the split the Pilgrims improve to 9-9 overall, while the Badgers open their season 1-1.

The Pilgrims would strike first in the opening inning of the first game as Kiley Williams would open the game with an infield single, advance to second on a sacrifice bunt by Gina Drappi and score on a single to center from Rebecca Allen.

The two teams would battle through the next two innings scoreless before the Badger bats would come alive. Johnson would get back-to-back singles by Casey Hogan and Anna Bringham both would advance on an infield error and eventually come around to score on a two-out single by Kristy McDonnell.

Johnson pitcher Andrea Williams would keep the NEC bats at bay the remainder of the game as she picked up the complete game victory recording five strike outs.  NEC pitcher Deb Mazzeo allowed two runs and struck out six.

In game two the Pilgrims would plate six runs in the first and four in the fourth capturing the 11-4 victory in a five inning game shortened by lack of daylight. 

Mazzeo pitched the complete five-inning game allowing four earned runs and struck out four.  

Seven different Pilgrims recorded hits, including Rebecca Allen, Brittany Disante and Maranda Johnson who each doubled.  

Johnson's Anna Bingham and Alex Bean finished game two 2-for-3 at the plate, while teammate Andrea Williams slammed a solo homerun. 

NEC returns to action on Wednesday, April 8 when they open North Atlantic Conference play hosting Castleton State College.  Johnson is scheduled to hit the field again on Tuesday, April 7 when they host Middlebury College.