Providence, R.I.—Freshman second baseman Noelle Simmons (Manchester, N.H.) went 3-for-4 and knocked in three runs as Rhode Island College dropped game one, 5-4, of a doubleheader vs. Simmons at the Dayna A. Bazar Softball Complex on Wednesday afternoon.
 
THE BASICS
Simmons 5, Rhode Island College 4
Simmons (7-6)
Rhode Island College 3-6
 
RIC: Sam Bergantino (Coventry, R.I.) Loss (1-4)
SU: Maddie Castigliego (Bristol, R.I.) Win (5-4)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• After getting out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam, in the top of the first, Simmons unleashed on a pitch and drove it over the left-center field fence for her second home run of the season in the home half of the frame. The Anchorwomen loaded the bases, but weren't able to plate any more runs and led, 1-0, after one inning.
 
• Offensive fireworks from both teams lit off in the fourth inning. Simmons put five on the board with back-to-back two-run hits by freshman third baseman Leah Connor (Broomfield, Colo.) and junior designated player Jordyn Rubin (Lewiston, Maine).
 
• RIC answered with an RBI single from junior center fielder Avery Katz (Brookfield, Conn.) and a huge two-run double from Simmons to give the hosts three runs in the inning to cut their deficit down to one, 5-4.
 
• RIC freshman pitcher Gabby Cunha (Cranston, R.I.) kept the Sharks off the scoreboard for the remainder of the contest, but Simmons senior pitcher Maddie Castigliego (Bristol, R.I.) slammed the door on the Anchorwomen offense to pick up her fifth win on the season.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will play the second game of a doubleheader with Simmons at 6:15 p.m.