KEENE, N.H., 4/20/08 - Keene State split a Little East Conference softball doubleheader against Eastern Conn. State University at Owl Athletic Complex on Sunday.  Senior Ashlee Nicholson (Swanzey, N.H.) tossed a complete game three-hitter to lead KSC to an opening game 3-2 victory.  ECSU came back to take the second game 2-1 in nine innings.

            Looking to climb back in the LEC race, Keene State goes to 18-8 (5-5 LEC). The Warriors are now 19-9 (8-2 LEC).

            Nicholson, who struck out eight and didn't issue a walk, flirted with a perfect game before the Warriors' Casey Mahoney (Willimantic, Conn.) reached on an error in the sixth.  Nicholson's no hit bid ended when she gave up two runs on three hits in the top of the seventh.  The win, her ninth of the season, tied the program record for victories (46) held by Sue Pranulis (1991-94).

            The Owls scored one run in the second on a bases loaded walk by Jenna Patnode (Surry, N.H.) and added two more in the fifth on an RBI single from Colleen Ferguson (Sussex, N.J.) and sacrifice fly by Elizabeth Mroczka (Rocky Hill Conn.).

            The Warriors made things interesting in the seventh plating two runs.  With one out Krystle Denny (West Haven, Conn.) doubled. Michelle Lawlor (Brookline, Mass.) came in to run for Denny and scored on a ground out.  Kate Livingston (West Hartford, Conn.) came through with a single up the middle. Nicholson struck out Courtney Caswell (Wakefield, R.I.) to end the game.

            Katie Allenson (Clifton Park, N.Y.) had two of the Owls' eight hits in the game.

            Kate Penseiero (Stamford, Conn.) took the loss for the Warriors.

            Ashley Sullivan's (Trumbull, Conn.) two-out single to right center scored the winning run in the second game. 

            KSC took a 1-0 lead in the second.  Ferguson led off with a triple and came around on an RBI single by Stephanie Levado (Wallingford, Conn.).

            ECSU tied the game in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by Livingston.

            Nicholson (9-4), who took over for starter Jessie Williams (Jaffrey, N.H.) in the fifth, took the loss.

            Caitlin Cravens (Ellsworth, Me.), who scattered eight hits, went the distance to pick up the win for the Warriors.

            KSC plays a non-conference doubleheader at Springfield College on Monday.