On March 25, the Brandeis University softball team saw both heartbreak and victory in their doubleheader against the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Still, graduate student Haley Nash MA ‘26 stood out most, cementing her name in program history. Nash’s MA  second home run of the season was not just another point on the scoreboard or statistics in the book; it was her 32nd career home run, officially making her Brandeis’ all-time leader, breaking the tie with Melissa Jones ’99.

While the Judges lost in a tough 12-4 loss in Game One, they rebounded with a 10-2 mercy-rule victory in Game Two, a milestone game for Nash and pitcher Jamie Staub’s ‘28 first win. The victory also broke the 12-game losing streak, which gave the Judges a much-needed boost heading into the rest of their season.

Game One: 

In Game One, Brandeis struggled as  Dartmouth came out swinging, led by an unstoppable performance from RaeLynn Perrigaux ‘26. The  Dartmouth junior third baseman went 4-for-4 with five runs batted in, two home runs, and two doubles, which is quite an impressive feat.

The game tilted in the Corsairs’ favor early with a three-run homer in the first inning, followed by Perrigaux’s solo home run in the second, which extended the Corsairs' lead to 4-0.

Brandeis didn't give up, and in the third inning, they earned back three runs – a double from Brooke Boehmer ‘27 and then a two-run single from Nash – which cut the deficit to 4-3.

While the game was still close, Dartmouth responded with an impressive six-run inning, including a three-run home run that helped seal the deal for the Corsairs. While the Judges did earn one more run in the fourth, the Corsairs finished strong, scoring two more in the sixth, which secured their 12-4 mercy-rule victory.

Game Two: 

Even after their loss, Brandeis showed their determination, bouncing back with a dominant 10-2 win in the back half of the doubleheader.

Dartmouth started with a solo home run, but Brandeis quickly responded. Boehmer’s RBI single tied the game, setting the stage for an eventful matchup.

With Nash at the plate,  Dartmouth recorded an out on a fielder’s choice, but a costly defensive slipup by the Corsairs turned an easy ground ball into a game-changing moment as Tristan Boyer’s ‘25 routine grounder slipped through the shortstop’s legs and was misplayed in left field, which allowed two runs to score, giving Brandeis an early 3-1 lead.

From there, in the bottom of the third, Nash etched her name in the record book. Her solo home run – her second of the season and 32nd of her career – broke a tie with Jones, making her the all-time home run leader for the program.

On the Mound

While Nash’s historic homer stole the spotlight, the Judges also got a stellar performance from first-year pitcher Staub. The young right-hander pitched a complete-game, four-hit gem, allowing only two runs while earning four strikeouts. 

In the fourth inning, a rare violation changed part of the play as what appeared to be a home run resulted in an out. As the Corsairs rounded third, the player was touched by her teammates in fair territory, which resulted in this automatic out, allowing Brandeis to maintain their 4-2 lead.

From then on, Brandeis was in complete control, allowing only one more UMass player on base for the rest of the game.

Brandeis ensured there would be no chance for a UMass comeback as they earned five more runs in the sixth inning. This resulted in the mercy rule sealing a 10-2 victory.

With Nash making history and Staub earning her first collegiate win, Brandeis has momentum heading into their upcoming home game on Wednesday against Wellesley College.