COCOA BEACH, Fla. - Mackenzie Pratt struck out seven over seven innings of work to help lead the Norwich University softball team past Mount Ida, 4- 1, in the team's season opener Tuesday morning at the Cocoa Expo.

Pratt (1-0) went the distance for the Cadets, giving up just six hits and one earned run. The sophomore pitcher allowed just three walks and went the distance to help Norwich (1-0) start the season on a positive note.

Seana Ellsworth went 2-for-4 on the day to pace the Cadets' offense.

Then the team dropped a heartbreaking 2-1 decision to the University of New England in the afternoon.

The Nor'easters plated the winning run in the top of the seventh inning to snatch the game away from Norwich (1-1).

Norwich pitcher Katelyn Menard (0-1) went the distance for the Cadets in the circle, pitching seven innings and allowing just six hits and two runs while walking two and striking out three.

The University of New England got on the scoreboard first, plating one run in the first inning after they strung together three consecutive singles.

Norwich tied it up at 1-1 in the fourth inning when Marley Balasco reached on an error and came around to score on Menard's groundout to second.

The Cadets threatened to take the lead in the sixth inning, loading the bases with two outs. The Nor'easters were able to get out of that jam, though, and then score the game-winning run in the next inning.

The University of New England's seventh inning rally began with a single. Then, after a sacrifice bunt, a run-scoring double put the Nor'easters on top.

Norwich went down in order in the bottom of the seventh to end the game.