CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Saint Joseph's softball team fell to Providence, 3-2, in its final game of the USF-Clearwater Parks and Recreation Showcase Tournament on Sunday.

In its fifth and final game of the weekend, Saint Joseph's took an early lead in the bottom of the first as Amanda Kulp scored off a two-out single by Caela Abadie.

A two-run double gave the Friars the lead in the top of the fifth, while Providence pushed its lead to 3-1 in the sixth on a sacrifice fly.

The Hawks got a run back in the bottom of the sixth as Sarah Ostaszewski scored off a sacrifice fly by Taryn Grober, but their rally came up short.

Making her collegiate debut in the circle, Carlie Mertz allowed just one earned and struck out three, but was credited with the loss.

SJU (7-6) wraps up its trip to Clearwater on Wednesday, March 13, when it takes on Purdue at 11 a.m. 

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