MERION STATION, Pa. - The Saint Joseph's softball team took the first two games of its three-game series with Rhode Island as the Hawks posted 4-3 and 4-1 wins over the Rams on Saturday afternoon at the SJU Softball Field.
In game one, the Hawks jumped out to a 3-0 behind two-rout rally in the third inning. Sophomore Raelynn Genovese got SJU on the board with a RBI single that scored Taryn Grober to make it 1-0. Rookie Sarah Ostaszewski followed with a single that scored Molly Kapala and Genovese to push the lead to three.
Rhode Island got a run back in the top of the fourth as a two-out home run by Paige Julich brought the Rams to within 3-1.
The Rams continued to chip away at SJU's lead as a sacrifice fly by Julich scored Jenna Cubello to make it 3-2 in the top of the sixth.
Saint Joseph's answered back in the bottom of the inning as Jancarla Herrrera scored on a RBI double by Caela Abadie to make it 4-2.
Rhode Island refused to go away though as the Rams led off the seventh with back-to-back double to make it 4-3.
With the tying run at second and no outs, SJU sophomore Ashley Ventura worked her team of a jam as she retired the next three Rams in order to earn the win for the Hawks and improve to 7-8 on the year.
Ventura went seven strong for the complete game win, allowing three runs on six hits, while striking out two.
At the plate, the five different Hawks accounted for the team's five hits, while Ostaszewski finished with a game-high two runs batted in.
In game two, starter Madison Clarke scattered two hits over seven innings to pick up the victory in a 4-1 decision.
Rhode Island took a 1-0 edge in the first, but Clarke kept the Rams from adding to their lead.
With no outs and the bases loaded, Rhode Island's Dani Gariglio grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Kylie Shivery to score from third to make it 1-0.
Clarke battled back though and got the next two batters to ground out, stranding URI runners at second and third.
Kulp drew a bases loaded walk to score Stacey Mayer to tie the game. Senior Madeline Brunck followed with a sharp smack that the Rams' second baseman couldn't handle, allowing Taryn Grober and Molly Kapala to score to give the Hawks a 3-1 lead.
Senior Kaylyn Zierke added to Saint Joseph's lead with a solo home run, her second of the year, to left in the third to make it 4-1.
Clarke gave up a leadoff walk in the seventh, but her teammates had her back ending the game with a fielder's choice and turning a double play for the final outs.
Clarke moved to 3-6 on the year with the win.
At the plate, Mayer went 2-for-3, while Grober went 2-for-2.
Saint Joseph's and Rhode Island cap their three-game series on Sunday with a single game at noon.
