FORT MYERS, Fla. — The University of Southern Maine Huskies exploded for seven runs in the bottom of the sixth inning en route to an 8-3 win over the University of St. Thomas Tommies in the first game of a doubleheader at Tarry Park Tuesday

The Tommies rode the complete-game pitching effort of freshman Ryan Ashner and three hits, including a two-run homer, from senior third baseman Tom Carroll to a 6-1 victory in the second game.

In the opening game St. Thomas broke a 1-1 tie with a pair of runs in the top of the sixth on a two-run, bases-loaded single by senior outfielder Luke Sather to take a 3-1 lead.

USM came back in the bottom half of the inning to take the lead for good. Junior Adam Lemieux drove in the first run with an RBI single. Senior Paul Tedesco plated the tying and go ahead runs with a double. Junior shortstop Drew Palmer was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in the fourth run, and junior third baseman Brian Marshall, senior Andy Lang and senior Tyler Delorme followed Palmer with RBI singles.

In the nightcap, Ashner held the Huskies in check through the first six innings until surrendering a double to Tedesco and an RBI single to junior Pat McDonough in the final inning. Ashner allowed just five hits and one walk while striking out three for his first collegiate win.

Softball

USM sweeps

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Sophomore Natasha Jackson stroked a three-run double and freshman Caterina Riitano followed with a two-run homer to highlight a six-run first inning as the University of Southern Maine Huskies defeated Hartwick College, 8-1, in the second of two games Tuesday afternoon.

In the earlier game, the Huskies used a two-run rally in the bottom of the sixth inning to defeat the Bethel College Royals, 3-2.

The two wins extended the Huskies’ winning streak to four games, and their overall record to 6-4. Southern Maine will conclude its 12-game Florida swing with games against Thomas College and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on Wednesday. The two games were added to the USM schedule to replace games cancelled last week.

Lacrosse

Merrimack 14, UNE 12

BIDDEFORD — Alison Colarusso scored less than a minute into the first overtime to break a 12-12 tie as Merrimack College rallied from an 11-3 deficit to defeat the University of New England, 14-12, in non-league women’s lacrosse action.

Senior Elizabeth McCahill provided the Warriors with an insurance goal in the second 3-minute overtime period.

Leading 9-3 at the half, the Nor’easters scored the first two goals of the second half for a seemingly comfortable 11-3 cushion. Junior Alisa Arakelian helped the Warriors roar back, netting four goals over a span of 6:39 to pull Merrimack within 11-10.

Colaruso tied the game with 8:14 remaining before senior Stacey Cooper gave Merrimack its first lead since 1-0 with a goal at the 7:18 mark.