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WASHINGTON, D.C. – La Salle softball came up with a huge split of a doubleheader at George Washington on Saturday afternoon. The Explorers could get little going in the opener, as they were drubbed 9-0 in five innings by the Colonials. The Blue and Gold found themselves again trailing throughout most of the second game; however, the team rallied to plate three runs in the sixth and four more in the seventh to notch the 7-3 victory. The win improved the Explorers record to 4-2 in Atlantic 10 play.
 
"That was a total team win in game two," head coach Ron Shoemaker said. "Everyone contributed to a big bounce back win."
 
The Explorers (12-13; 4-2 A-10) trailed George Washington 1-0 heading into the sixth inning, before they finally broke through for three-runs to take the lead. Michelle Hagarty (1-3, 2R, BB) led of the frame with a walk. Kendra Heyer (0-3, 2R) followed with a fielders choice, with the Colonials failing to record an out, as they were unable to retire Hagarty at second. Megan Hodgson (0-2, R, BB) advanced the runners 60 feet on a sacrifice bunt, setting the stage for freshman Christina Bascara.
 
Bascara (1-3, HR, 3RBI, BB) had been battling her way out of a mini slump over the course of the week - only going 3-16 this week and 0-2 on the day – however, she remained unfazed in the pressure situation. She worked the count in her favor, before blasting a three-run shot to left field to give the Explorers a 3-1 lead.
 
"Going up to the plate I knew I had to do what I could to get the runs across," Bascara said. "The homer wasn't the result I expected at all, but I was excited to contribute to the team win."
 
The Colonials (14-20-1; 1-3 A-10) got one run back in the bottom of the frame, on a solo homer by Morgan Matecic (2-3, HR, 2R, BB) to cut the deficit to 3-2.
 
The Explorers tacked on four runs in the top of the seventh to up the advantage to 7-2. The first run turned out to be the game-winner in the contest, as the Colonials added a run in the home half of the seventh. Alyssa Sims (0-1, R) got her first at-bat of the day, leading off the inning reaching on an error. Emily Moran sacrificed her into scoring position, while Hagarty followed with a single to put runners on the corners with one out. Freshman Marisa Kinneer (1-1, RBI) came on to pinch-hit, stroking a single up the middle to plate Alyssa Sims for the game-winning run.
 
"Once coach told me I was coming on to hit, I knew exactly what my job was," Kinneer said. "I just told myself to relax and make an adjustment. I was glad I could help put another run on the board."
 
Mary Cate Scott (W, 5-7) notched the victory. She came on in relief of starter Alicia Aughton, throwing 3.2 solid innings of work. She allowed five hits and two earned runs, while striking out two.
 
The Explorers ability to bounce back was impressive, as George Washington dominated the opening game of the twin-bill. The Colonials swatted ten hits, plating three runs in each of the first three innings en route to the 9-0 victory in five innings. La Salle only mustered three hits in the contest.
 
Alicia Aughton (L, 7-6) was tabbed with the loss in the opener. The outing was her shortest of the season, as she only went 1.0+ surrendering four runs (one earned).
 
The Explorers will return to West Campus Field for a three game home stand next week. La Salle will face off against Big 5 rival Villanova on Wednesday at 3:30, while they will welcome George Mason for a doubleheader on Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 12:00 PM.