Softball Splits GNAC South Division Doubleheader at Dean on Sunday

GAME ONE | USJ 7, DEAN 2

HOW IT HAPPENED

• USJ wasted little time taking the lead, as senior outfielder Madelyn Ellis (Newington, Conn.) delivered a two-out RBI single in the top of the first to make it 1–0.
• After a scoreless second, Dean responded in the bottom of the third, plating two runs to take a 2–1 advantage.
• The Blue Jays answered in the fourth, as junior infielder Jennifer Antonowicz (Wolcott, Conn.) launched a three-run home run—the first of her career—to put USJ back in front, 4–2.
• Sophomore infielder Kayla Phelps (Wolcott, Conn.) carried the momentum into the fifth, lining an RBI double to extend the lead to 5–2.
• The Bulldogs were unable to respond, as senior pitcher Paige Fekete (Watertown, Conn.) and sophomore Brenna Lyver (Enfield, Conn.) combined to keep Dean quiet. Lyver entered in relief in the sixth and helped preserve the 5–2 lead heading into the seventh.
• Phelps added insurance in the top of the seventh, blasting a two-run home run—her first career homer—to push the lead to 7–2.
• Lyver then set the Bulldogs down in order in the bottom of the seventh to secure the victory and earn the save.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Sophomore catcher Sadie Girgasky (Bethlehem, Conn.) led the offense, going 3-for-4 at the plate.
• Antonowicz and Phelps each drove in a game-high three runs.
• Antonowicz, Phelps and senior outfielder Kaitlyn Ouellette (Wolcott, Conn.) each recorded two hits.
• Ellis drew a game-high two walks.
• Fekete earned the win (5–4), allowing two runs on nine hits over 5.0 innings.
• Lyver picked up her second save of the season with two hitless innings in relief.

GAME TWO | USJ 9, DEAN 13

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Blue Jays carried their power surge into game two, as Ouellette opened the scoring with a three-run home run in the top of the first to give USJ a quick 3–0 lead.
• Dean answered in the bottom of the second, scoring twice to cut the deficit to 3–2.
• The Bulldogs stayed hot, plating three runs in the third and adding two more in the fourth to build a 7–3 advantage.
• Phelps halted the Dean rally in the fifth, launching a two-run home run—her second of the doubleheader—to trim the deficit to 7–5.
• USJ continued to battle in the sixth, as junior outfielder Rachel Brewer-Karimi (Torrington, Conn.) delivered an RBI double to make it 7–6.
• One batter later, Ouellette came through with an RBI single to tie the game at 7–7. The Blue Jays then completed the comeback as Brewer-Karimi scored on a passed ball, giving USJ an 8–7 edge.
• Dean responded in the bottom half of the inning, loading the bases and pushing across one run to even the score at 8–8 heading into the seventh.
• USJ regained the lead in the seventh when sophomore Gabby Marichal (Lynn, Mass.) led off with a triple and later scored on a sacrifice bunt by freshman infielder Gracie Browne (Bristol, Conn.), making it 9–8.
• The Bulldogs answered once again in the bottom of the inning to tie the game at 9–9 before a walk-off grand slam lifted Dean to a 13–9 victory.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Ouellette led the offense, going 2-for-4 with a team-high four RBI.
• Antonowicz, Marichal and sophomore catcher Abi Julian (Stafford Springs, Conn.) each recorded two hits.
• Phelps hit her second home run of the day—and of her career.
• Brewer-Karimi drew a team-high two walks.
• Antonowicz recorded USJ's lone stolen base.
• Senior Analise Escarraman (Windham, Conn.) started and received a no-decision, allowing seven runs (four earned) on eight hits while striking out six over 4.0 innings.
• Ouellette took the loss (2–1), allowing six runs on eight hits over 2.2 innings in relief.

UP NEXT

The Blue Jays step out of conference play and return home to host Bay Path for a doubleheader on Wednesday, April 1. First pitch against the Wildcats at the USJ Softball Field is set for 3 p.m.

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