ALLENTOWN, Pa. - The Northampton softball team picked up a doubleheader sweep on Friday night at Patriots Park in Allentown, Pa, downing Region XIX rival Lehigh Carbon Community College 22-0 and 17-3.

In game one, Melanie Hippenstiel pitched a 2-hit shutout and the Spartans collected 13 hits in the 22-0 victory.  Jesi Cericola was 3 for 5 including a 2-run homerun and Alyssa Maffia was 3 for 3 with 6 RBI, including a grand slam in the 5th inning.

In game two, Gabrielle Ruland earned the victory, throwing a complete game 4-hitter as NCC prevailed 17-3.  Hailley Houck was 2 for 2 with a 2-run homerun and 3 RBI, Shelby Belzecky was 3 for 5 with 5 RBI, including a 3-run homerun in the 3rd inning and Melanie Hippenstiel had a 2-run homerun in the 2nd inning to pace the Northampton offense.

Northampton improves to 8-4 overall, 7-3 in Region XIX and 2-0 in conference play.

Lehigh Carbon falls to 2-6 overall, 2-6 in Region XIX and 0-2 in conference.

The Spartans return to action on Saturday when they travel to Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, NJ.  The Spartans will host Middlesex County College on Sunday at noon in a Region XIX doubleheader.