Loretto, PA – The Wagner College softball team dropped a conference doubleheader against Saint Francis U on Saturday afternoon.
Game 1: Saint Francis U 11, Wagner 2
The game began as a defensive battle, with both teams holding each other scoreless early on. However, the Red Flash broke through in the bottom of the third inning, scoring six runs to take control.
The Seahawks responded in the top of the fourth with two runs of their own. Freshman Taylor Reynolds singled up the middle, advancing to second on the throw and driving in junior Geanice Morales for Wagner's first run. Sophomore Leilani Gonzales then singled to center field, allowing freshman Emma Rocha to advance to second and Reynolds to score, giving Gonzales an RBI.
Saint Francis continued to apply pressure, adding five more runs over the next two innings to extend their lead and ultimately secure the win in game one.
In the circle, sophomore Karson Zavala got the start, pitching two innings and allowing two hits, six runs, and six walks. Junior Emma Crosby entered in relief, throwing 2.1 innings and giving up five hits, five runs, and recording one strikeout.
Game 2: Saint Francis U 7, Wagner 4
The Seahawks came out strong in game two, putting up three runs in the top of the first inning. Morales reached base on a fielding error by the third baseman, allowing freshman
Alayna Giampolo to score. Moments later, Rachal homered to center field, bringing home both herself and Morales to give Wagner an early 3-0 lead.
Wagner extended its advantage in the second inning when Rocha scored on a wild pitch, pushing the lead to 4-0.
Saint Francis would respond quickly, scoring three runs in the bottom of the second to cut the deficit to 4-3. The Red Flash then took the lead in the fourth inning with three more runs and added another insurance run in the sixth to make it 7-4.
The Seahawks were unable to mount a comeback, as Saint Francis took game two.
Junior Natalie Rodriguez started in the circle for Wagner, pitching one inning and allowing four hits, three runs, two walks, and striking out one. Zavala came in for relief, pitching five innings while giving up six hits, four runs, and recording five strikeouts.
Wagner and Saint Francis will conclude the series with game three tomorrow, April 27, at Red Flash Softball Field. First pitch is set for 12 PM.
