CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Gallaudet University softball team struggled Wednesday against Wilson College in a North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) doubleheader. The first-place Phoenix downed the Bison 11-3 and 12-4 in two six-inning games at Kris's Meadow.

Gallaudet (6-26, 4-12 NEAC South) took an early lead in the first game when junior outfielder Alicia Johnson (San Jose, Calif.) knocked in a run in back-to-back innings. Wilson pitcher Legih Roche (11-1) then shut down the rest of the Bison as she struck out 10 and surrendered just one more run.

Johnson finished game one a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBI and one run scored. Sophomore pitcher Rachel Sweigart (Big Rock, Ill.) took the loss in game one as she pitched just over five innings. Sweigart (5-9) struck out three batters and gave up five walks as Wilson scored 11 runs on 11 hits.

Game two started off with fireworks as both teams had plenty of offense.

Sophomore Kara Gulvas (Crown Point, Ind.) scored when senior outfielder Easter Faafiti (Pittsburg, Calif.) reached on a scoring error. Johnson continued her great day again as she drove in Faafiti and later scored a run. Even with the fast start, the Bison trailed 5-3 after the completion of the first inning.

The Phoenix (21-2, 16-0 NEAC South) expanded their lead early and often and led 9-4 after three innings. Wilson kept the Bison off the scoreboard for the rest of the game and won the game in six innings.

Gallaudet again had trouble figuring out the Wilson pitcher as Nicole Musser (9-1) struck out eight batters and allowed two earned runs. Freshman pitcher Montana Murphy (Simi Valley, Calif.) picked up the loss in game two as she pitched just over five innings. Murphy (1-12) struck out one and walked just one as the Phoenix scored 12 runs on 11 hits.

Johnson again shined as she finished the second game, 2-for-3 with one RBI and two runs scored. Sophomore second baseman Mia Fernandez (Artesia, N.M.) drove in one run and finished 1-for-3.

The Bison will hit the road this weekend and travel to College of St. Elizabeth on Saturday, April 21, for two conference games at noon.