ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University softball team opened Atlantic East Conference play by splitting a doubleheader with Gwynedd Mercy University on Monday afternoon. The Griffins won the first game 5-2, while the Knights took the nightcap 9-1 in five innings.
 
In the first game, the teams traded runs over the first few innings. Gwynedd Mercy opened the scoring in the top of the first. Neumann tied the game at one as Kristen Pagliaro singled in Aubrie Breisblatt. The Griffins took a 2-1 lead after three. The Knights tied the game again as Breisblatt scored again, this time off a single by Vanessa Bowen.
 
Gwynedd Mercy scored single runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings for the 5-2 final.
 
Ashlynne Scardino started the game and went 5.0 innings in the circle. She allowed three runs, two earned, on eight hits. Emily DuPont went 2.0 innings in relief and allowed a pair of runs on two hits.
 
In game two, Olivia Ammon picked up the complete game win, going 5.0 innings. She allowed a run on six hits and struck out three.
 
The Griffins scored first in the top of the first inning. In the bottom of the second. Bowen led off with a single. Elizabeth Shire followed with her first home run of the season to put the Knights up 2-1. Breisblatt hit a two-run double in the inning for a 5-1 lead after two.
 
In the top of the fifth, Neumann took advantage of some errors and plated three runs. Bowen hit a two-run double in the inning. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth, Ashley Leicht reached on a fielders choice where DuPont scored for the 9-1 final in five innings.
 
Neumann (5-10, 1-1 Atlantic East) is back on the field tomorrow when it heads to Stockton for a doubleheader. First pitch is slated for 3:00 PM.