MERION STATION - The Saint Joseph's softball team collected seven hits, but it wasn't enough as the Hawks fell 4-3 to Monmouth Tuesday afternoon at the SJU Softball Field.

Monmouth (8-10) got on the board in the top of the second, scoring twice on three hits off SJU freshman pitcher Emily Rogers.

Saint Joseph's Anna Lauterbach, coming in for relief of Rogers, worked out of a bases-loaded jam to keep the host Hawks behind by just two runs.

The visiting Hawks (11-11) would strike again in the top of the third, taking advantage of a throwing error by SJU. With runners at first and second and no outs, Monmouth's Rachel Shotzbarger lined out sharply to third base, only SJU couldn't pull off the double play as the throw to second sailed into right field allowing the runners to advance. In the next at-bat, Kayleena Flores grounded out to second, allowing Vanessa Cardoza to score from third to make it 3-0.

Despite falling behind early, Saint Joseph's would rally in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game at 3-3. Sophomore Cyndi Wilson drew a bases-loaded hit by pitch to score Ashley Alden to start the rally. Freshman Madeline Brunck followed with a RBI single to score Traneya White, while Sarah Yoos drew a bases-loaded walk.to score Stephanie Chaiser to tie the game.

Monmouth would retake the lead in the top of the seventh as Shannon Fitzgerald scored from third on a bunt by Justene Reyes with one out.

The Hawks would get the tying run to second in the bottom of the seventh, but couldn't advance her further as the rally fell short.

At the plate, Alden was 2-for-3 with a run scored, while Brunck was 2-for-4 with a RBI. In the circle, sophomore Liz Mendez was the hard-luck loser, allowing one run on two hits over four innings of relief.

Saint Joseph's returns to action Saturday with a doubleheader at Rhode Island. Game one begins at noon.