MERION STATION, Pa. - The Saint Joseph's softball team got strong pitching performances from rookie Niki Carillo and sophomore Liz Mendez as the Hawks blanked Rider, 5-0, Wednesday afternoon at the SJU Softball Field.

Saint Joseph's got on the board in the bottom of the second, taking a 1-0 lead. Sophomore Hannah Dionne, who singled with tows outs and advanced to second on a wild pitch, would come around to score on a single up the middle off the bat of senior Morgan Earling.

The Hawks added to their lead in the bottom of the third as junior Ashley Alden drew a bases loaded walk that scored rookie Madeline Brunck from third.

Taking advantage of three hit batters, a walk and an error in the fourth, Saint Joseph's added a pair of runs to open a 4-0 lead. Brunck scored the first run on a RBI ground out by Earling, while senior Maria Ficca completed a double steal with freshman Isabella Picard, scored from third.

Junior Nicole Palase made it a 5-0 game in the bottom of the sixth, scoring on a fielder's choice ground out off the bat of sophomore Sarah Yoos.

Carillo improved to 3-1 overall with the win, allowing just four hits over four innings, while striking out three. Mendez pitched the final three innings in relief, finishing with four strikeouts and allowing three hits.

Saint Joseph's returns to action Friday at Saint Louis.