BRIGHTON, Mass.- The Norwich Softball team continued the final week of the regular season Wednesday evening when they travelled to Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) North Division foe, and two-time reigning GNAC Champion Simmons, for a doubleheader where the pitchers starred.

The Sharks struck early in the opening contest with a run in the first, but were largely kept in check by Madison DeCota (Strafford, N.H.), who would go the distance in both contests in the circle. In the first game, she allowed two runs on five hits while striking out four, keeping Norwich within striking distance.

DeCota's pitching prowess was equaled by Simmons hurler, and reigning GNAC Pitcher of the Year, Piper Kinney, who limited the Cadets to one run in seven innings while striking out nine. The lone run for Norwich came in the sixth while trailing by two. DeCota and Adelette Gutierrez (Cameron, N.C.) reached on consecutive base hits, with Gutierrez coming home on an RBI single by Emily Munson (Angleton, Texas). The Cadets had chances to tie, but were held in check by Kinney as the Sharks preserved the game one win. DeCota also went 2-3 at the plate along with her pitching performance.

DeCota continued to roll in the circle in game two, only allowing one Simmons run in six innings of work, a run that came on a caught stealing. The Norwich bats did not have an answer for Shark pitcher Ally Hyde, who allowed one hit and two walks in seven innings, securing a sweep for Simmons.

The Cadets will round out the home portion of the 2025 campaign when they host Lasell on Senior Day over the weekend.