CHICOPEE, MA -- Cassandra Knox one-hit the Mountaineers in Game 1, and Nicole Mercurio provided not only the shutout, but a 5-for-5 day at the plate, as the Lynx earned two big wins on the road over Southern Vermont Thursday evening.

Knox, who no-hit conference opponent Becker five days ago, allowed a lead-off base hit in the first inning and went on to retire the following 15 batters in completing a one-hitter. The reigning New England Collegiate Conference Pitcher of the Week improved to 6-4 on the season, striking out six Mountaineers.

Shortstop Sarah Apgar enjoyed the finest game of her freshman season, going 4-for-4 with four runs, a pair of doubles and three stolen bases. Fellow frosh Maria Nazzaro also played her finest game to date, hitting her first career home run and scoring three runs. 

Freshman hurler Nicole Mercurio picked up the win in Game 2, silencing Southern Vermont on the mound and collecting a career-high four hits, hitting her first career home run and throwing her first career shutout.

"Nicole really stepped up. She took advantage of her time," said head coach Jen Benway. "She really stepped up on the mound, and she stepped up at the plate and hit a home run out of the park. It was a bomb."

In addition to her 4-for-4 game at the plate in which she scored four times, Mercurio struck out seven on the mound. NECC Rookie of the Week Jennifer Dorval went 6-for-7 with five runs and a pair of doubles.

At 13-6 overall and 4-0 in NECC play, Lesley returns to action Saturday afternoon at 1:00 at Newbury.