April 21, 2005

Box Score

AMBLER, PA - The Saint Joseph's softball team split a doubleheader with Atlantic 10 rival Temple Thursday afternoon, dropping the opener 4-1, but winning the nightcap 2-1 at Ambler Field.

In game two, the Hawks jumped out to a 1-0 in the top of the first as senior Megan Richardson led off with a single and advanced to second on a fielding error by the Owls' right fielder. Following a ground out to first base which allowed Richardson to advance to third, junior Jill Clementi drilled a RBI single to right field, scoring Richardson.

On the mound, Saint Joseph's sophomore hurler Lauren Hughes was stellar for the Hawks. Hughes held Temple scoreless over the opening six innings, giving up two hits, while striking out seven.

Holding on to a 1-0 lead into the top of the seventh, Carly Kinkler picked the perfect time to drill her first collegiate home run. The freshman outfielder fielder took a Richelle Villescas pitch deep over the right field wall to put the Hawks up 2-0.

Temple returned the favor in the bottom of the inning, as Aida Esquer led off with a solo homer. Despite having the lead cut to one, Hughes buckled down and set down the next three, with a strike out of Shawn Casey for the victory.

In the opener, the Owls swung the bats well, holding a 4-0 edge through three innings.

The Hawks go on the board in the fifth as junior Lynn Ann Ravert smacked a RBI single, scoring Alicia Cunic on the play.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, Villescas allowed only two hits over the final two innings to help Temple prevail 4-1.

Kinkler finished the day two-of-six with a RBI and run scored, while Clementi finished three-of-six with a RBI.

On the mound, Hughes improved to 5-10 on the season, while freshman Lauren Cognigni fell to 9-8 despite giving up only two earned runs, while striking out four in the opener

With the split, the Hawks move to 14-18 overall and 3-5 in Atlantic 10 play. Temple moves to 13-24 overall and 2-7 in conference play.

Saint Joseph's returns to action Sunday at Dayton. Game one of the doubleheader is scheduled for noon.