The excitement began in the bottom of the seventh inning when Judges starting pitcher Melissa Nolan '14 whacked a leadoff single straight up the middle. With the score tied at two, the Judges hoped to split its series against Clark University last Saturday after losing the first game 9-7.

Although she grounded into a fielder's choice, shortstop Anya Kamber '15 contributed to the effort by advancing Nolan to second base, which built the tension.

With a runner in scoring position and only one out, infielder Madison Sullivan '16 stepped into the batter's box to try to make the most of the potential opportunity.

Sullivan's single advanced Nolan to third base. However, after Sullivan drew a throw to first base by coming off of the bag, Nolan advanced to home from the error and provided the winning third run.

"I knew I needed to get the ball in play to move the runner with one out," said Sullivan of her mentality in regards to the decisive play. "I was just trying to focus on hitting the ball to the right side of the field to advance the girl on second."

"I have had a couple game winning hits in my softball career," she continued, "and it's the best feeling in the world knowing how proud you made your coaches and team. I love feeling like I played a part in the victory."

The Judges, now 20-11 on the season, limited Clark to just four scattered hits in a solid defensive performance. Nolan, who began the rally to win the game went seven strong innings and struck out out seven, allowing three walks, four hits and two earned runs. She had three perfect innings, and from the third inning did not give up a hit.

"It was definitely a mix of emotion," said infielder Jordan Buscetto '16 in reflecting on the team's play in the day's two games. "We were very happy to come out on top with that win in the second game, but we were also disappointed that we couldn't pull through for the first game. We realized that the intensity needs to be there each and every game we play."

In the sixth inning, Clark played effective small ball and scored without a hit. After Cougars junior infielder Mel Melkonian drew a walk and stole second to build further suspense, she advanced to third base thanks to a fielder's choice from Clark freshman infielder Alyssa Wright. Melkonian scored thanks to a fielding error by second baseman Danielle Novotny '16. This sequence tied the game up at two, and eventually led to the finish.

However, the Judges did not emerge victorious in the first game. Clark came soaring out of the gates, scoring four runs in the first inning. Following the first inning, the bats for both offenses were silent until the final two innings, where a combined 10 runs were scored.

Clark was more productive in the final two innings than in its entire next game. 14 batters came to the plate in those two innings, accumulating six hits and four runs.

Brandeis was also productive in scoring runs in those final two innings.

The Judges scored six runs, including a pair of home runs that came subsequently from Sullivan and catcher Cori Coleman '15 However, the valiant effort was not enough to overcome the five-run deficit, and the Judges ultimately fell by two runs.

As the squad scored 16 runs in the first game and only five in the second, the eventful afternoon began to wear on the Judges.

In the first game, every player reached base safely or drove in a run. Furthermore, in the second game, offensive efficiency proved to be the motto for the Judges.

The Judges will look to continue their trend of April success when they host Worcester State University this Thursday.

The Judges have won 11 games as compared to three losses this past month. They even started on a six-game winning streak, winning four out of their last five efforts.

Before April, Brandeis was just barely above a winning record, but as the season concludes, now stands at 20-11.
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