MERION STATION, Pa. - The Saint Joseph's softball team fell to city rival Drexel in its home finale, 2-0, on Wednesday at the SJU Softball Field.

In a pitchers duel, SJU senior Niki Carillo posted a strong effort for the Hawks (21-15) as she allowed one unearned run over six innings and added three strikeouts.

Despite the strong performance, the Dragons' early tally proved to be key as they held the Hawks' off the board before scoring again late.

Drexel (18-28) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the third as Hannah Walker scored from third on a throwing error by the Hawks with two outs.

Saint Joseph's threatened in the bottom of the sixth with runners at second and third with one out. Drexel was able to get out of trouble though as starter Tara Konopka induced a fielder's choice in which the hawks' lead runner was tagged out and home, and followed with a line out to end the threat.

The Dragons added an insurance run in the top of the seventh as Taylor Kent scored on an RBI ground out off the bat of Baeley Reed to make it 2-0.

The Hawks would get the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the seventh, but again Konopka and the Dragons held the Hawks at a distance as they got the final key outs to end the game.

For the game, Amanda Kulp, Stavey Mayer and Lauren Reilly accounted for SJU's three hits. In the circle, Carillo fell to 0-2 on the season, while Madison Clarke allowed one run on two hits in an inning of relief.

Saint Joseph's returns to action this weekend with a three-game series at George Mason starting on Saturday at noon.