Softball Takes Game One, Falls in Game Two During Non-Conference Doubleheader Versus Western Connecticut

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) softball team split a non-conference doubleheader at home against intrastate foe Western Connecticut State University (WCSU), Wednesday afternoon on the USJ Softball Field in West Hartford, Conn. The Blue Jays took the opening game, 6-3, before falling to the Wolves in game two, 5-1.

GAME ONE
Score: USJ 6, WCSU 3
Records: USJ (14-12), WCSU (13-14)
Location: USJ Softball Field | West Hartford, Conn.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Blue Jays wasted little time taking the lead, securing the advantage in the bottom of the first. Freshman Kaitlyn Ouellette (Wolcott, Conn.) began the inning with a single before advancing to second on a wild pitch. Two batters later, sophomore pitcher Alyssa Roberts (Naugatuck, Conn.), slashed a single through the right-side allowing Ouellette to score while advancing to second on the throw home, securing a 1-0 USJ edge. The Blue Jays quickly made it two, as senior outfielder Jenna Masiello (Cromwell, Conn.), ripped a single to right field before freshman shortstop Alexis Volinsky (Berwick, Maine), notched an infield single, plating Roberts and extending the USJ lead to 2-0 after the opening frame.

After being set down in order in the second, WCSU responded in kind in the top of the third, scoring three runs to take a 3-2 edge. USJ would not be phased though, regaining the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Volinsky began the inning with a single to left, while sophomore third baseman Elaina Previty (Pawcatuck) singled up the middle, getting two runners on base. The Wolves picked up an out, but a perfect bunt by freshman first baseman Allison Conger (Plainfield, Conn.) forced a throwing error by the WCSU first baseman, allowing Volinsky to score and tie the game at 3-3.

A wild pitch enabled Conger to move to second before freshman Jordyn Fitch (Andover, Conn.) singled to left and Ouellette drew a walk to load the bases. Junior outfielder Isabel Milardo (Middlefield, Conn.) quickly unloaded the bases, launching a double to straight center, plating three runs to establish a 6-3 USJ lead through four innings. The score would remain the same for the remainder of the contest, as Roberts shut the WCSU offense down, securing the game one victory for the Blue Jays, 6-3.

IN THE CIRCLE

USJ – Roberts earned the complete game victory inside the circle (5-4), allowing three runs, one of which was earned, off six hits while tossing three strikeouts.

WCSU – Karly Vito saw the start in game one, taking home the loss (1-2) after allowing six runs off 10 hits in 3.2 innings of work. Hailey Golembiewski pitched the remaining 2.1 innings in relief, allowing one hit while tallying three strikeouts.

GAME TWO
Score: USJ 1, WCSU 5
Records: USJ (14-13), WCSU (14-14)

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Blue Jays looked to carry the momentum immediately into the second game as Milardo and Masiello got on base with one out, but the Wolves kept the Blue Jays off the board. The WCSU offense rewarded its defense, scoring four times in the top of the second to take a 4-0 edge. The Wolves continued to hold the Blue Jays offense at bay, tacking on a run in the top of the sixth to increase its lead to 5-0.

USJ looked to fire back in the bottom of the sixth, as Milardo slashed a leadoff double, while Roberts notched a single to get two runners on base. Masiello then laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move the runners up a base before Volinsky hit a deep fly to center, allowing Milardo to tag up and cut the gap to 5-1. The Blue Jays would not get any closer, as the Wolves held on for the 5-1 victory in game two.

IN THE CIRCLE

USJ – Ouellette saw the start inside the circle in game two, picking up the loss (4-4) after allowing five runs, two of which were earned, off eight hits, throwing two strikeouts in 7.0 innings of work.

WCSU – Sydney Chenoweth earned the complete game victory (4-3), allowing one run off seven hits, throwing one strikeout.

UP NEXT
The Blue Jays continue their 10-game homestand, welcoming Great Northeast Athletic Conference cross division foe Emmanuel College to the USJ Softball Field for a doubleheader on Saturday, April 15. First pitch against the Saints in game one is set for noon.

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