Feb. 26, 2012

Box Score

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - The Saint Joseph's softball team split its final games at the Cavalier Classic on Sunday, downing Colgate 9-4 in the opener, but falling to host Virginia, 8-3, in the nightcap.

In the opener, the Hawks jumper out to a 7-0 lead after the first two innings. SJU scored the first run as sophomore Morgan Earling drew a bases loaded walk, while Maria Ficca followed with a two-run single to score Lauren Rendon and Rochelle Christman to make it 3-0. Earling would score the fourth run on an errant throw as they tried to throw out Ficca stealing second.

Taking advantage of four Colgate errors, the Hawks scored three times in the second. Melissa Ruf tallied the first run on an errant throw off a hit by junior Dana Parks. Christman would single home Parks to make it 6-0, while Moran would score the seventh run on a passed ball.

Up 7-1, Saint Joseph's (4-3) added an eighth run on a RBI single by Alaina Loguidice that scored Traneya White.

Ruf would pick up a RBI single in the seventh that scored Ficca for the game's final run.

On the mound, senior Erin Gallagher improved to 2-2 on the year after allowing just three earned runs over four innings, while striking out four. Senior Lauren Pembleton allowed just two hits in three innings of relief.

In the second game, the Hawks fell behind 3-0 in the first, but cut into the deficit with a RBI double by Moran in the third that scored Loguidice to make it 3-1.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, the Cavaliers scored five runs in the next two innings to open an 8-1 edge.

Saint Joseph's would plate a pair of runs in the seventh, but it wouldn't be enough. White scored the first run of the inning on a wild pitch, while Loguidice singled in Ruf for the game's final run.

The Hawks return to action March 2 at the San Diego State Tournament.