Game 1 Box
Game 2 Box

LONG BRANCH, N.J. – The La Salle softball team lost both games in today's non-conference doubleheader against the Monmouth Hawks, 7-0 and 4-3. The Explorers now stand at 13-18 on the season and remain 2-8 in the Atlantic 10.

Bats were virtually silent in the first game as the Explorers managed just two hits from junior Megan Hodgson and senior Liz Reed. The Hawks broke open the game with a six-run fifth inning to take a 7-0 lead. Sophomore Alicia Aughton pitched a complete game including four strikeouts – just two of the seven runs she allowed were earned.

Game two ended in thrilling fashion but the Hawks hung on for the win to sweep the two-game series.  Monmouth scored two runs a piece in the third and fourth innings to take a 4-0 lead into the top of the seventh. Freshman Casey Lester started off the inning with a hit-by-pitch that was followed by a double from Reed to put both runners in scoring position.

Sophomore Kristin Travers singled to second base which was followed by a Hodgson single up the middle to score Lester. Freshman Alyssa Sims reached on a fielder's choice, Travers was called out at second, and Reed scored on a throwing error to give La Salle two runs on the inning.

Senior Tristan Musho provided a clutch single to right field to drive in Hodgson and give the Explorers an opportunity to tie the game. Monmouth pitcher Lauren Sulick came in to relieve Cerissa Rivera and shut down the Explorers' run to earn the second team win of the day.

The Explorers head west for conference games against Butler on Friday and Saturday and a doubleheader against Saint Louis on Sunday before returning to Philadelphia for a seven-game home stand.