Posted: Mar 08, 2026
Softball Splits Two Games on Second Day of Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic
RIT
(0-1)
6
Saint Joseph (Conn.)
(1-2)
7
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
RIT | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 11 | 1 |
|
Saint Joseph (Conn.) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | X | 7 | 6 | 1 |
Saint Joseph (Conn.)
(1-3)
0
Drew
(1-0)
9
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Saint Joseph (Conn.) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 |
|
Drew | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | X | 9 | 8 | 0 |
NAPLES, Fla. – The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) softball team split a doubleheader Sunday morning during the second day of the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic at North Collier Regional Park in Naples, Fla. The Blue Jays rallied to defeat RIT, 7–6, in the opener before falling to Drew University, 9–0, in five innings to close out the day. With the results, USJ moves to 1–2, while the Tigers drop to 0–1 and the Rangers open their season at 1–0.
GAME ONE | USJ 7, RIT 6
HOW IT HAPPENED
- USJ struck first in the bottom of the first inning, as senior outfielder Madelyn Ellis (Newington, Conn.) hit a ball deep enough to score junior infielder Jennifer Antonowicz (Wolcott, Conn.) from third for a 1–0 lead.
- RIT answered with one run in the third and another in the fourth to take a 2–1 advantage.
- The Blue Jays responded in the bottom of the fourth when junior outfielder Rachel Brewer‑Karimi (Torrington, Conn.) singled to right, allowing Ellis to score and tying the game at 2–2.
- The Tigers regained momentum with four runs in the top of the fifth to build a 6–2 lead.
- USJ fired back in the bottom half. Senior outfielder Avianna Ibrahim (Colchester, Conn.) singled to center, driving in Ellis and senior outfielder Kaitlyn Ouellette (Wolcott, Conn.). Brewer‑Karimi then scored on a throwing error by the RIT center fielder, cutting the deficit to 6–5.
- In the next at‑bat, sophomore infielder Gabby Marichal (Lynn, Mass.) put a ball in play that allowed Ibrahim to score and tie the game at 6–6.
- Later in the inning, Antonowicz delivered the decisive blow with an RBI triple to the right‑center gap, giving USJ a 7–6 lead.
- RIT threatened in the seventh with runners on the corners and two outs, but Ouellette—who entered in relief in the fifth—snared a line drive back to the circle to seal the 7–6 victory.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Antonowicz and Brewer‑Karimi paced the offense with matching 2‑for‑3 performances.
- Ibrahim recorded a team‑high two RBI.
- Ellis drew two walks to lead USJ.
- Senior Analise Escarraman (Windham, Conn.) earned a no‑decision after allowing six runs on nine hits with five strikeouts over 4.0 innings.
- Ouellette picked up the win (1–0), tossing 3.0 shutout innings and allowing just two hits.
GAME TWO | USJ 0, DREW 9 (FIVE INNINGS)
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Drew jumped out early with three runs in the first inning to take a 3–0 lead.
- The Rangers stayed hot with three more in the second, two in the third, and one in the fourth to build a 9–0 advantage.
- USJ was unable to overcome the deficit, as Drew secured the run‑rule victory after five innings.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Sophomore infielders Sophia Onofrio (Naugatuck, Conn.) and Camille Jones (Lawrence Twp., N.J.) each went a perfect 2‑for‑2.
- Senior Paige Fekete (Watertown, Conn.) took the loss (0–2), allowing six runs on five hits in 1.0 inning.
- Sophomore Brenna Lyver (Enfield, Conn.) pitched the final 4.0 innings, giving up two runs on three hits and recording one strikeout.
UP NEXT
The Blue Jays return to action on Tuesday, March 10, with two games against Brooklyn College and Geneva College. First pitch against the Bulldogs in Fort Myers, Fla., is scheduled for 9:00 a.m., followed by an 11:00 a.m. matchup against the Golden Tornadoes.
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