ORONO, Maine -- The University of Maine softball team split a non-conference doubleheader with Holy Cross. Maine won the first game, 8-7, while the Crusaders took game two, 3-2.
 
Game One -- Maine: 8 Holy Cross: 7
 
Jackie Brewster started the game off with a triple for the Crusaders. She would come around to score on Erin Bengston's double. Jessie Nagel crossed the plate on Taylor Wahler's ground out, while Bengston scored Holy Cross's third run in the top of the first on a pass ball.
 
Maddie Decker tied the home opener with a three run blast in the bottom of the fourth inning. The senior launched a home run over the right field fence. Hailey Perry and Emma Larke scored on Decker's home run.
 
Bailey Chavez gave the Crusaders a one run lead with a single up the middle. Jessie Nagel followed the single with a home run to right field. Holy Cross held a three run lead after their half of the fifth inning.
 
"M.K." Livingston singled through the right side and drove home Maddie Kimble from third. The Black Bears threatened with runners on second and third but were unable to push anymore across the plate.
 
Maine took a two run lead after their offense scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Three of the runs were scored on throwing errors, while Kya Enos tripled down the left field line and pushed Brianna Neely across home plate.
 
Holy Cross grabbed one run in the top of the seventh, but Kyleigh O'Donnell shut the door for Maine's 10th win of the 2019 season.
 
Notes:

• Gabbie Siciliano got the start for Maine. The freshmen went 4.2 innings, allowed four earned runs, and struck out one. Kyleigh O'Donnell (3-5) finished the final 2.1 innings, allowed two runs, and struck out two.
• Maddie Decker crushed an opposite field three-run home run, while Kya Enos and "M.K." Livingston drove in the other two Maine RBI.

 
Game Two -- Maine: 2 Holy Cross: 3
 
Holy Cross also scored first in the second game. The Crusaders scored two in the top of the fourth off two Black Bear errors. Sydney Burr recorded the lone RBI in the inning. Maine trailed 2-0 after the fourth inning.
 
Alyssa Gutierrez stepped on home in the top of the fifth scoring her squad's third run of the game. Holy Cross held a 3-0 lead after five complete.
 
Keely Clark cut into the Crusaders' lead with a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Laurine German was on base for the freshman's big fly. Maine only trailed by one run after the sixth. It was as close as the Black Bears would get as they dropped game number two of the afternoon, 3-2.
 
Notes:

• Emily Reid went the first 4.0 innings, did not allow an earned run, and struck out two. Lilly Volk finished the game for Maine and allowed a run.
• Keely Clark crushed her first career home run at Kessock Field. Laurine German and Kya Enos both finished with a hit.

 
Next: The Black Bears have moved their weekend series with Albany to tomorrow, April 19th. First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 1:00 pm.
 
-UMaine-