UNE Softball Sweeps SJC in Doubleheader

Nor'easters win 8-0 and 7-5 over Monks

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:35am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in navy, green, and orange hues, depicting the dynamic action of a softball game from multiple angles.A cubist interpretation of the intense softball rivalry between UNE and SJC, with the Nor'easters emerging victorious in this latest doubleheader.Portland Today

The University of New England (UNE) softball team swept a non-conference doubleheader against Saint Joseph's College (SJC) on Monday, winning the first game 8-0 and the second game 7-5 at Richard W. Bailey Field in Standish, Maine.

Why it matters

This series continues the long-standing rivalry between the two programs, with UNE now holding a 42-22 all-time advantage over SJC. The Nor'easters are looking to build momentum after finishing 11-29 last season, while the Monks are hoping to turn things around after starting the year 10-16.

The details

In the opener, UNE broke a scoreless game with a run in the third inning and added two more in the fifth to take control. The Nor'easters then put the game away with three runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh, while SJC was limited to just two hits. In the nightcap, UNE grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second, but the Monks answered with two runs in the fourth to move in front. The Nor'easters responded with three runs in the fifth and three more in the sixth to open a 7-2 advantage. SJC battled back with two runs in the sixth and one in the seventh, but UNE held on for the sweep.

  • The doubleheader took place on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • SJC will host Regis College for a GNAC doubleheader on Saturday, April 11, 2026 beginning at 12:00 PM.

The players

University of New England

A public university located in Biddeford, Maine, with a strong softball program that has dominated the series against Saint Joseph's College.

Saint Joseph's College

A private Catholic college located in Standish, Maine, with a softball team that has struggled to a 10-16 record so far this season.

Kara MacDonald

A senior pitcher for the University of New England who started the first game and pitched 3 scoreless innings.

Bridget Divoll

A freshman pitcher for the University of New England who earned the win in relief in the first game.

Miranda Northrup

A senior pitcher for Saint Joseph's College who started the second game and took the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build on this momentum and keep improving as we get ready for conference play.”

— Kara MacDonald, Senior Pitcher, University of New England

What’s next

Saint Joseph's will look to bounce back when they host Regis College for a GNAC doubleheader on Saturday, April 11th.

The takeaway

This series showcases the ongoing rivalry between these two Maine softball programs, with UNE continuing to have the upper hand. However, SJC will hope to use this experience to help turn their season around as they prepare for more conference matchups.