WALTHAM, Mass. – After having two hits and an RBI in the opener, Bentley University senior center fielder Jackie Gauthier (Braintree/Braintree HS) scored twice and delivered a two-run double to help the Falcons gain a split of their Northeast-10 Conference Northeast Division softball doubleheader at Bentley Wednesday afternoon.

Bentley took the second game by the count of 7-3 after dropping a 2-1 decision in the opener. The Falcons, 7-2 over their last nine, improved to 8-6 overall, including 1-1 in divisional contests. Merrimack, which was also opening its division slate, left the field at 8-12 overall.

After Merrimack struck for three runs in the top of the second in game two, Bentley did the visitors one better an inning later, scoring four times.

With two runners in scoring position, a bunt single by grad student Laura McDonough (Braintree/Braintree HS) brought in freshman right fielder Kelsey Kennedy (Bedford, N.H./Bedford HS) from third with the Falcons' first run. Later in the inning, Gauthier tied it up with a two-run double to left and she later scored on a single by senior first baseman Samantha Tierney (Wappingers Falls, N.Y./Roy C. Ketcham HS).

Kennedy lined a homer down the left field line to lead off the fourth, and in the fifth, both senior third baseman Kelly Sanborn (Hopkinton/Hopkinton HS) and sophomore catcher Jill Raia (Montville, N.J./Morristown-Beard School) drove in runs.

Bentley's 11 hits included two apiece by Gauthier, McDonough and Kennedy. Merrimack also had 11, including three by senior third baseman Kelsey Francher (Weare, N.H.).

Sophomore Halley McDevitt (San Ramon, Calif./San Ramon Valley HS) earned the win after giving up only one run and striking out five in five innings of relief. Classmate Kelly Ferris (Seymour, Conn./Seymour HS) came on two get the final two outs and pick up her second save.

In the opener, Gauthier staked Bentley to an early lead with an RBI single in the first inning plating McDonough.

Merrimack did all its damage in the sixth when senior first baseman Keaira Monet Perry (Bellingham) and Francher hit back-to-back triples to begin the inning. Two batters later, Francher scored what proved to be the game-winner on a sacrifice by senior Ashley Perry (Winchendon).

Gauthier was the only player in the opener to have multiple hits as she finished two-for-three.

Bentley is back on its home field Thursday afternoon for a 3:30 pm doubleheader against Stonehill College.