WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – A two-run nightcap rally helped carry Norwich University to a key road Great Northeast Athletic Conference sweep March 25.
Sophomore outfielder Abby Belcher (Winthrop, Mass.) belted an RBI double, while another run was scored on a Bluejays' error to give Coach Greg McGrath's team a 3-1 lead. SJC (7-9, 4-2 GNAC) rallied with a run in the home half of the eighth and loaded the bases with one out against freshman pitcher Corinne Baita (Rochester, N.H.). However, a double play got the Cadets out of the inning and closed the sweep.
Junior infielder Noel Byers (Iron Mountain, Mich.) provided a key offensive attack to help guide Norwich (9-7, 3-3 GNAC). Byers picked up four hits during the afternoon, which included a double, stole a base, scored a run and drove in another. Sophomore outfielder Kim Comtois (Northwood, N.H.) also provided some highlights in game two with two hits and an RBI in the nightcap.
Byers' and Comtois' outings helped aid underclasswoman pitchers Kaylie Miller (Long Lake, N.Y.) and Baita. Miller, rebounding from a tough outing in game at Emerson the day before, struck out five to battle to a complete-game decision in the opener. Baita went the distance in game two with six strikeouts and only one walk allowed.
NU returns to the diamond to open its home season Friday, March 30. The Maroon and Gold host Johnson and Wales at 3 p.m. in a pair of league games. The doubleheader opens another set of three weekend twinbills, as the Cadets face Simmons at Harvard University's field in Boston, Mass., Saturday, March 31, at 12 p.m. and then take on Emmanuel (Mass.) Sunday, April 1 at 12 p.m.
