March 26, 2006

Box Score

EAST NORRITON, PA - The Saint Joseph's softball team earned a split in its Atlantic 10-opening doubleheader versus Saint Louis. The Hawks won the opener 3-1, but fell 5-3 in the nightcap at East Norriton Field.

In the opener, the Billikens jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a RBI single by Christy Ernst.

Saint Joseph's tied the game at one in the bottom of the second on a RBI single by freshman third baseman Rebeka Shumock and took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the third as freshman Kelsey Moir scored on a passed ball.

The Hawks added an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth on a RBI single by sophomore right fielder Kate Falasca.

Saint Joseph's sophomore pitcher Lauren Cognigni closed the door in the top of the seventh, setting down the Billikens in order. Cognigni allowed only one run on four hits while striking out 11 to improve to 6-5 on the season.

In game two, the Hawks jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first as freshman Sarah Falk drilled a three-run home run to put SJU up.

From there, the Billikens would cut the deficit to 3-1 in the top of the second and dealt the lethal blow in the top of the fifth. AshLeigh Williams drove in the go-ahead runs on a three-run home run as Lorena Floccari added a RBI double for the fifth run.

The Hawks never truly threatened over their final three at-bats as Saint Louis allowed only one hit to earn the victory.

Cognigni was the hard-luck loser, allowing five runs on 10 hits, while striking out two.

With the split, the Hawks move to 7-18-1 on the year and 1-1 in A-10 play, while Saint Louis moves to 9-14 overall and 2-2 in the A-10.

Saint Joseph's returns to action Wednesday at Saint Peter's. The first game of the doubleheader is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.