CALDWELL, N.J.- The Caldwell University softball team split a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference doubleheader against #18 Georgian Court University. The Lions took the opener 9-7, while the Cougars won the nightcap 8-2.
 
The Cougars stand at 23-17 overall and 14-6 in the CACC, while the Lions move to 37-6 and 20-2 in conference play.  
 
Caldwell took the early lead in the opener as freshman Nora Conway (Chicago, Ill.) singled to start the first inning. Sophomore Paige Sandoval (Aliso Viejo, Calif.) followed with a walk with both runner moving into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt. Sophomore Kaileen Cain (Hauppauge, N.Y.) ripped a two-run single for a 2-0 lead.
 
Junior Christina Misiur (Sayreville, N.J.) singled and advanced to second on the third to put runners at second and third. Senior Carly Testa (Sicklerville, N.J.) and sophomore Anyssia Ramirez (Brentwood, Calif.) followed with run scoring singles for a 4-0 lead. Freshman Sara Raubertas (Berlin, N.J.) singled in a run to extend the lead to 5-0.
 
The Lions added a run in the second and took the lead with five runs in the third. Georgian Court tacked on three runs in the fourth for a 9-5 lead.
 
Cain singled in a run in the fourth inning, while Misiur drew a bases loaded walk to force in a run in the sixth inning.
 
Freshman Mariah Culver (Owego, N.Y.) took the loss as she tossed 3 1/3 innings, allowing nine runs (seven earned) on eight hits. Junior Sara Bearden (Ewing, N.J.) pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing three hits with six strikeouts.
 
In the nightcap, Conway led off the first inning with a single. Cain doubled with two outs to put the Cougars up 1-0. The Lions evened the score with a run in the fourth inning.
 
Caldwell retook the lead in the fourth as Ramirez hit a solo homerun. Georgian Court answered in the fifth with a run to tie the game at two.
 
The Cougars rallied with a six-run sixth inning to retake the lead. Junior Jessie Johnston (Livermore, Calif.) drew a bases loaded walk to force in the go-ahead run. Raubertas was hit by a pitch to score a run, while Conway and Sandoval drove in runs with singles.
 
Culver got the start, going three scoreless innings, allowing two hits. Bearden (11-6) earned the win in relief, as she tossed three innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits with five strikeouts.  
 
The Cougars travel to Molloy College for a non-conference twin bill on Wednesday, April 17 at 3 p.m.