April 17, 2005

Box Score

KINGSTON, RI - The Saint Joseph's softball teamed earned a series sweep at Atlantic 10 rival Rhode Island, downing the Rams 2-0 and 8-4.

In the opener, freshman pitcher Lauren Cognigni was stellar for the Hawks. The right-handed hurler allowed only four hits over seven innings, while striking out nine.

At the plate, SJU jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the fifth on a RBI single by freshman Carly Kinkler. Senior Alicia Cunic added a solo home run in the top of the sixth to give Saint Joseph's a 2-0 advantage.

Cognigni pitched a perfect seventh to eran her first A-10 victory of her career and improve to 8-7 overall.

In the nightcap, the Rams finally got to Cognigni, scoring a run in the bottom of the first to take a 1-0.

The Hawks responded in the top of the second as Cara Deldeo and Lynn Ann Ravert each collected a RBI.

Saint Joseph's would add their third run in the top of the third as Katie McCann scored on a wild pitch.

Rhode Island tied the score at three in the bottom of the fourth on a costly SJU error.

With the score tied at three, Saint Joseph's showed its resiliency, scoring five in the top of the fifth to take a 8-3 edge. Sophomore Rachel Pawlikowski delivered the deadliest blow of the innings, a grand slam home run to right field.

In the bottom of the fifth, sophomore Lauren Hughes came in for the Hawks and did a knock-up job. Hughes struck out four in three innings of work, earning her first save of the season, while Cognigni improved to 9-7 overall with the victory.

With the sweep, the Hawks move to 2-4 in A-10 play and 13-17 overall. Rhode Island falls to 6-38 overall and 3-7 in conference play.

Saint Joseph's returns to action Thursday when it faces rival Temple.