SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Behind yet another two-win day for sophomore pitcher Elle Madsen (Wheat Ridge, Colo.), the Bryant University softball team earned a sweep of Sacred Heart, winning Game 1, 4-3, before taking Game 2, 5-0, Saturday afternoon in Fairfield, Conn.

With the wins, Bryant (21-14, 7-1 Northeast Conference) earns its seventh-straight conference victory, while the Pioneers (10-16, 0-6 NEC) remain winless against NEC opponents.

Game 1

In Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader, the Bulldogs got off to a strong start, scoring two runs in each of the first two innings. In the top of the first, senior catcher Kendall Corder (Carmichael, Calif.) drew a leadoff walk and was bunted into scoring territory by classmate Aubrey Mable (Aurora, Colo.), setting up junior center fielder Madeline Velasquez (Los Angeles, Calif.) for an RBI single to center. After a Madsen double advanced Velasquez to third, sophomore Hayley Bottino (Canyon Country, Calif.) drove home Velasquez, putting Bryant up 2-0 after one.

In the top of the second inning, senior outfielder Kristen Carter (Branchville, N.J.) opened the inning with a leadoff single, followed by a Corder base knock to left. One batter later, Mable sent a sac fly to right field, scoring Carter, followed up by another Velasquez RBI single to push the Bulldogs lead to four runs, 4-0.

"Aubrey [Mable] and Kendall [Corder] kick started our offense early and Elle [Madsen] took care of the rest," said Bryant head coach Shayne Lotito. "When you score early and often, like we were able to do, it takes a lot of pressure off of the pitcher and defense."

The four run lead was all Madsen needed as the sophomore hurler took care of business once again, allowing just three runs (two earned) on seven hits to go along with three strikeouts in seven innings of work.

"Elle [Madsen] came out determined and focused and got the job done just as she's done all year long," added Lotito. "And the team made sure they finished strong, coming together in the end to get the win."

Game 2

In the second leg of the doubleheader, Madsen was lights out allowing just three hits in seven innings to earn her 15th victory of the season.

The top of the lineup came through early on once again as Corder and Mable got things going to set up senior outfielder Lauren Guy (La Habra, Calif.), who belted a two-run single to right field to put Bryant up 2-0 after one.

The Bulldogs added two more runs in the fifth and one in the sixth, but the real story was Madsen who continues to stymie NEC hitters in the circle.

"The top of the order came to play again," stated Lotito. "And Elle [Madsen] was focused, strong and consistent each time through the lineup."

Mable led Bryant at the dish offensively, picking up two hits, two RBI and two runs scored, while Madsen helped herself with hits and an RBI.

"We are very proud of the way we have been playing," said Lotito. "Playing consistent softball and taking care of business when we need to. We are looking forward to a pair of tough games against a very good Central Connecticut team on Sunday in which we need to come ready to play with intensity and focus."

Bryant will get an opportunity to see where it really stacks up among NEC opponents when it hosts the Blue Devils at Conaty Park on Sunday (1/3 p.m.).

For all the latest news on the Bryant University softball team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.