WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - Behind a three-run fifth inning, the Saint Joseph's softball team downed Monmouth, 5-2, Wednesday afternoon.

Saint Joseph's (21-12) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first as shortstop Nicole Palase drilled a two-run home run deep over the left field wall.

Monmouth answered back in the bottom of the third as the host Hawks scored two runs on three hits and a SJU error to tie the game at 2-2.

SJU regained the lead in the top of the fifth as third baseman Brandi Harkness singled to left field with two outs, scoring Sarah Yoos from second to give SJU the lead again 3-2. With Harkness moving to second and Isabella Picard advancing to third on the throw home on the previous play, first baseman Nikki Alden followed with a double down the left field line that plated two to push the lead to 5-2.

In the circle, freshman Madison Clarke improved to 16-4 overall as she went all seven innings, allowing one earned run on five hits, while striking out four.

At the plate, Alden was 4-for-4 with two RBIs, while Harkness and Picard were went 3-for-4. 

Saint Joseph's returns to action Saturday with a doubleheader at Fordham. Game one is set to begin at noon.