April 2, 2008

Box Score

EAST NORRITON, PA - Using four pitchers to combine for a three-hit shutout, the Saint Joseph's softball team topped Lafayette, 3-0, at East Norriton Field Wednesday afternoon. The Hawks, who improved to 6-12 on the season with the win, never allowed an opposing batter past second base.

The Hawks' started out solid on defense behind junior pitcher Dani Gonzales, giving up just one hit over the opening three innings.

The same could be said of the Leopards (9-13) over the first three innings as well. Gonzales was the only Saint Joseph's batter to reach base, singling to left center field.

Behind freshman pitcher Lauren Pembleton, the Hawks sat down Lafayette in order in the top of the fourth, allowing SJU to grab the lead in the bottom half of the inning.

Saint Joseph's freshman outfielder Laura Cardone singled to start the bottom of the fourth, eventually moving to second on a passed ball. Cardone advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt, but the Leopards were able to keep the ball in the infield on the next at-bat, retiring the second out of the inning, without giving up a run.

With two out, Hawks' freshman Dana Bieniek drew a walk, and on the next pitch attempted to steal second. On the throw down to second, Bieniek safely made her way back to first, while Cardone was able to cross the plate to put SJU up 1-0.

Following a scoreless top of the fifth, Saint Joseph's tacked on it's second run of the day on a RBI sacrifice-fly by Beka Shumock with one out.

After a scoreless inning of relief from senior Lauren Cognigni, Saint Joseph's added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth on a solo home run from junior outfielder Erika Rosenwinkel.

Sophomore pitcher Alyssa Neilson allowed a walk, while striking out one in the top of the seventh to earn her first save of the season for the Hawks.

Pembleton earned her first collegiate win, going two strong innings in which she allowed only one hit, while striking out one.

The Hawks return to action this Friday, April 5 versus Saint Louis at East Norriton Field. Game time is set for 3 p.m.