April 6, 2012

Box Score

(By Nikki Philpot)

MERION STATION, Pa. - The Saint Joseph's softball team dropped an Atlantic 10 conference game to Fordham, 4-1, on Friday afternoon at the SJU Softball Field.

Saint Joseph's (12-18 overall, 4-2 Atlantic 10) got on the board first as freshman Lauren Rendon led off the bottom of the fourth with a solo home run down the left field line to put the Hawks ahead, 1-0.

Fordham (22-16 overall, 8-0 Atlantic 10) loaded the bases with one out in the top of the fifth when the baserunner on first base was called out for leaving early. With two outs and runners on second and third, Fordham struck back as an SJU fielding error allowed the Rams to get on the board and tie the score, 1-1.

Neither team would score again in the sixth or seventh, forcing the game into extra innings.

In the top of the eighth, Fordham came alive as a single and SJU fielding error allowed baserunners on first and second for the Rams. A groundout to the left side allowed for both baserunners to advance, and a sacrifice fly ball brought Fordham's second run of the game across the plate. With two outs, Fordham's Chelsea Palumbo drove a two-run shot over the fence in right-center to give the Rams the 4-1 lead.

Saint Joseph's would load the bases in the bottom half of the eighth as senior Alaina Loguidice and junior Dana Parks singled and Rendon was hit by a pitch, but an infield flyout would end the threat and give Fordham the win, 4-1.

Parks led the Saint Joseph's offense with two hits while five other Hawks added one hit each.

Junior Taryn Ashway dropped to 6-9 with the loss, allowing three hits, one being a home run, in 3.2 innings of work.

The Hawks return to action on Saturday when they host George Washington for a doubleheader beginning at noon.