WASHINGTON - The Gallaudet University softball team split a North Eastern Atlantic Conference (NEAC) doubleheader with Wilson College on a blustery Saturday afternoon at the GU Softball Complex. Gallaudet dropped the first game 10-4 but regrouped and defeated the Phoenix 10-2 in five innings.

The Bison (11-15, 3-5 NEAC) erupted in the second game when they scored 10 runs in the second and third innings (five runs in each inning). Junior pitcher Montana Murphy (Simi Valley, Calif.) took a no-hitter into the fifth inning but gave up a lead-off single to the Phoenix. Wilson (4-4, 1-1 NEAC) was able to push across a run before the Bison ended the inning and the game, thanks to the mercy rule (lead by eight runs after five innings). Murphy (5-8) allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit and five walks as she faced 20 batters in the win.

Junior Victoria Rainey (Danvers, Ill.) led the Bison offense as she went 3-for-3 at the plate, with one RBI and two runs. Sophomore shortstop Chelsea Lee (South Brunswick, N.J.) also had a strong performance, going 2-for-3 at the plate with three RBI. Freshman Katie Alfsen (St. Augustine, Fla.) had one hit, three RBI and two runs while junior Elena Ciccarelli (Whitesboro, N.Y.) had one hit and two RBI.

In the first game, Murphy faced 41 batters, gave up 10 hits, 10 runs, three home runs, seven walks and tallied five strikeouts.

GU fell behind quickly in the first game as the Phoenix scored early and often. By the end of the third inning, the Bison were down 6-0. In the fourth, Gallaudet was able to hold Wilson to its first scoreless inning while earning its first run when Lee scored off of senior first baseman Caitlin Stevens' (Glen Allen, Va.) single to center field. The Bison kept hope alive as they scored an additional three runs in the fifth inning when Lee hit her home run to left field, bringing home freshman Kimberly Klock (Puyallup, Wash.) and sophomore Anna Lynch (Falls Church, Va.) as GU trailed 6-4. The Phoenix weathered the Bison assault and scored four additional runs in the final two innings. Lee went 3-for-4 at the plate as she hit her third home run of the season, knocked in three RBI and scored twice.

Gallaudet continues its homestand as the Bison welcome NEAC foe Penn St.-Berks on Tuesday, April 8, for a doubleheader at 3 p.m. The Bison are participating in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Strikeout Cancer event and will wear special pink jerseys. Fans are encouraged to wear something pink to show their support.