Keene, N.H.--Junior second baseman Noelle Simmons (Goffstown, N.H.) went a combined 3-for-7 with a homer and three runs scored as Rhode Island College split a doubleheader vs. Keene State at the Owl Athletic Complex on Friday afternoon.
 
THE BASICS
Keene State 4, 3; Rhode Island College 1, 5
Keene State (16-16, 5-7 LEC)
Rhode Island College (17-16-1, 3-8-1 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
GAME ONE
• The Owls found life with a two-run double in the third inning after a scoreless opening two from both squads.
 
• After another run from the hosts in the fifth, the Anchorwomen answered in the sixth frame as junior center fielder Sophia Crudale (Cranston, R.I.) singled in a run.
 
• Keene State got another run in the bottom half of the sixth to increase the lead back to three, 4-1.
 
• The Owls closed out the Anchorwomen in the seventh with a 1-2-3 inning and allowed just three hits from the visitors all game.

• Junior pitcher Gabby Cunha (Cranston, R.I.) was dealt the loss (1-3).
 
GAME TWO
• Fifth-year third baseman Victoria Young (Sterling, Conn.) punched a two-out double to center field to bring in a pair of Anchorwomen to get the visitors off to an early, 2-0, start in the first inning.
 
• In the top of the third, senior shortstop Amanda Conti (Lincoln, R.I.) hit a sacrifice fly to build onto the RIC lead, 3-0.
 
• Despite a solo homer from Simmons in the fifth, the Owls answered with three of their own in the bottom half of the frame to bring the game within one, 4-3.
 
• Conti tacked on an insurance marker in the seventh, bringing in Simmons, to ensure the split with the Owls for the day.
 
• Simmons went 3-for-4 with a homer, three runs scored and a pair of doubles.

• Sophomore pitcher Ashleigh von der Linden (Stratham, N.H.) registered the win (8-6) as she struck out four in a complete game effort.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East play with a doubleheader at home vs. Eastern Connecticut on Tuesday, April 29 (4 p.m.).