FAIRFAX, Va. – Sophomore Morgan Orlowski tossed a nearly perfect five innings on Thursday as the La Salle softball team (9-26, 2-11 A-10) fell to George Mason (18-22, 6-9 A-10), 1-0. Patriots' pitcher Marina Vitalich nearly no-hit the Explorers, striking out 10.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• La Salle's lone hit came in the top of the seventh inning off the bat of sophomore Ashley Mendenhall.
• In the bottom half, the Patriots worked the bases loaded with one away when Meghan Graham sent a walk-off single up the middle.

INSIDE THE CIRCLE:

• Orlowski threw five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and a pair of walks. The sophomore struck out three in the game.
• Freshman Cailey Joyce (6-11) came on in relief and tallied the loss. Joyce went 1.1 innings and gave up three hits and two walks.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Mendenhall finished 1-for-2 with a walk.
• Sophomore Deanna Pineiro was the team's only other base runner after reaching on a walk.

UP NEXT:
La Salle and George Mason square off on Saturday for a series-ending doubleheader in Fairfax. First pitch is slated for noon with both games airing on ESPN+.