NORTH ANDOVER, MA – Host Merrimack College received a pair of outstanding individual performances in an 8-0 victory in the opener of a Northeast-10 Conference doubleheader today at Warrior Diamond against The College of Saint Rose. The Golden Knights then stranded eight runners, which proved pivotal in a 2-1 setback in game two.

Sophomore right-hander Kelli Jo Deardorff was in good form in the circle for Merrimack in the opener. Deardorff recorded six strikeouts and surrendered just a pair of hits over the distance to earn her team-leading 16th victory of the year.

Freshman designated player Keaira Monet Perry did most of the damage offensively for the Warriors. She slapped an RBI single to left in the first and then cleared the bases with a three-run shot in the third to provide a 4-0 cushion for Merrimack. Sophomore third baseman Tawny Palmieri capped things off with an RBI double in the sixth to solidify the final outcome.

Freshman left fielder Olivia Reeves and senior right-hander Nicole Traylor each finished 1-for-3 to lead Saint Rose. Reeves doubled to get herself and senior first baseman Ashley Fryer into scoring position in the sixth. However, Deardorff induced a flyout to halt the threat.

Palmeiri wound up 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI, while Monet Perry was 2-for-4 with four RBI to pace the Warriors.

Junior center fielder Monique Gosselin was the difference for Merrimack in the nightcap. Gosselin scored on a sacrifice fly by senior catcher Kara Melillo in the fourth and then homered to left field in the sixth to put the Warriors in front 2-0.

The Golden Knights (7-26/3-19 NE-10) answered with a run of their own in the seventh. Fryer singled up the middle to lead things off and came across on a throwing error. Junior third baseman Lindsey David followed with a double to get herself into scoring position. However, Deardorff ended the rally with a strikeout to close out the contest.

Fryer wound up 2-for-3 with a run and freshman center fielder Amber Loussedes was 2-for-4 to lead Saint Rose. Meanwhile, freshman southpaw Mikayla Wells scattered three hits in 5.0 innings and recorded a pair of strikeouts in a solid pitching performance.

Gosselin and Melillo were each 2-for-2 for Merrimack.

Both clubs return to action tomorrow with a pair of league doubleheaders on the schedule. The Golden Knights head to Le Moyne College, while the Warriors remain home to entertain Bentley University. Both dates are scheduled to begin at 3:00 pm.

Box Score - Game 1; Box Score - Game 2