WORCESTER, Mass. – A three run fifth inning was all Holy Cross softball needed as senior Kelly Nelson twirled another gem in a 3-0 home victory against Patriot League opponent Colgate Sunday at Freshman Field.

Nelson pitched her 12th complete game and fourth shutout of the season with seven innings scattering five hits punching out eight Raiders (11-15, 2-1 PL) leading the Crusaders (9-20, 3-3 PL) to the win. The eight strikeouts give Nelson 496 for her collegiate career as she aims to become the second player in program history to amass 500 or more strikeouts.
 
IN THE CIRCLE:

• Kelly Nelson: W (7-11), 7.0 innings, complete game, shutout, eight strikeouts, five hits allowed.
• Bailey Misken: L (3-10), 4.1 innings, earned run, four strikeouts, four hits allowed.

STEPPING TO THE PLATE:

• Senior Jessie Nagel: 2-for-3, double, two RBI, run scored.
• Senior Erin Bengston: 2-for-3, double, RBI.
• Sophomore Jessica Mott: 1-for-2, run, walk.
• Senior Bailey Chavez: 0-for-2, stolen base, run scored, walk.
• Steph Jacoby: 1-for-2, double.

 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Nelson weathered some early adversity, a second and third no out situation in the top of the second. She struck out Meaghan Houk for the first out, and induced a first pitch foul out to shortstop. Nelson then dueled Rachel Carney in an 11 pitch at bat which Nelson won fielding the pop up for the third out.
• The Crusaders built an opportunity in the bottom of the fourth. Bengston slapped an opposite field single off the first base bag and sophomore Megan Yurchick lined a single to center for a first and second chance with one out. Junior Olivia Eckelman laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to advance the runners, however, freshman Callie Thibault flew out to right center to end the inning.
• In the top of the fifth, the Raiders had two infield singles with two away, but Nelson struck out the last batter stranding the runners.
• During the bottom half of the inning, with first and second with no outs, Nagel doubled on the first pitch she saw clearing the bases giving the Crusaders the 2-0 lead. Bengston bashed the first pitch of the at bat high off the left field fence for the important insurance run.

WE HAVE THE LEAD!!!

Jessie Nagel goes into the opposite field to clear the bases!

2??-0??!

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— Holy Cross Softball (@HCrossSB) April 3, 2022

DUE UP:

• Holy Cross will play non-conference opponent Hartford for a doubleheader on Tuesday starting at 2:30 p.m.

 
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