PHILADELPHIA – In the best weather of the season Saturday afternoon, the La Salle softball team (5-18) fell to St. Bonaventure (4-16) in a pair of games. The Bonnies claimed the first game, 6-5, and the second game, 5-2.
SBU 6, La SALLE 5
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- St. Bonaventure took the lead in the fifth inning with an RBI single.
- La Salle responded in the bottom half, plating three runs. Freshman Kaylee Piven registered her first career hit and RBI with a single up the middle to score sophomore Deanna Pineiro. Junior Emily Conaway was up next and sent a single of her own up the middle, scoring Piven and freshman Mackenzie Vogler.
- A five-run seventh inning put the visitors on top by three. The Bonnies scored five on three hits and three errors.
- The Explorers attempted a comeback in the home half with two away as Conaway sent a two-run blast to right field to pull within one. Unfortunately, the comeback effort fell short.
INSIDE THE CIRCLE:
- Sophomore Morgan Orlowski (2-9) took the loss after pitching 6.2 innings and allowing one earned run. The West Chester, Pa. native gave up eight hits and four walks, while striking out two.
- Freshman Cailey Joyce came in for the final out of the seventh.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Conaway finished the game 2-for-4 with the long ball, four RBIs and a run scored.
- Sophomore Ashley Mendenhall went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles.
- Vogler was 1-for-2 with a double, walk, and run scored.
- Piven had one base hit in three at bats with an RBI and run scored.
SBU 5, La SALLE 2:
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- La Salle jumped out to a lead in the fourth inning when senior Emma Schweigert sent a pitch over the wall in center field.
- SBU answered in the following inning, scoring four runs on four hits and a pair of errors.
- The Explorers cut the deficit to two in the sixth when Vogler reached on a fielder's choice and drove in Mendenhall.
- St. Bonaventure added an insurance run in the seventh and won by three.
INSIDE THE CIRCLE:
- Joyce (3-7) pitched the complete game allowing eight hits and a walk for four earned runs. The rookie punched out six on the day.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Schweigert had two hits in three attempts, including the homer.
- Mendenhall also went 2-for-3 with a double and run scored.
- Pineiro drew a pair of walks.
- Piven, Conaway, and junior Courtney Shupp recorded a base knock.
UP NEXT:
La Salle finishes the three-game series against St. Bonaventure tomorrow at West Campus Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.