Softball Splits GNAC Interdivisional Doubleheader at Simmons on Saturday

GAME ONE | USJ 3, SIMMONS 6

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Both teams were held scoreless through the opening inning before Simmons broke through in the bottom of the second. A two‑run triple followed by an RBI fielder's choice gave the Sharks a 3–0 lead.
• USJ answered in the top of the fourth inning. Sophomore infielder Camille Jones (Lawrence Twp., N.J.) drew a walk and later scored when junior outfielder Rachel Brewer‑Karimi (Torrington, Conn.) lined an RBI single to left‑center field, trimming the deficit to 3–1.
• The Sharks added insurance in the bottom of the sixth, stringing together four consecutive hits with two outs to plate three runs and extend the lead to 6–1.
• The Blue Jays mounted one final rally in the seventh. Sophomore catcher Sadie Girgasky (Bethlehem, Conn.) opened the inning with a single before freshman infielder Gracie Browne (Bristol, Conn.) drew a walk. Senior outfielder Avianna Ibrahim (Colchester, Conn.) then reached on an error while laying down a sacrifice bunt, allowing Girgasky to score. Junior infielder Jennifer Antonowicz (Wolcott, Conn.) followed with a sacrifice fly to bring home Browne and cut the deficit to 6–3.
• USJ would get no closer, as Simmons held on to secure the opener.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Girgasky paced the offense with a 2‑for‑3 performance.
• Browne reached base twice and scored once.
• Brewer‑Karimi and Antonowicz each recorded one RBI.
• Senior pitcher Analise Escarraman (Windham, Conn.) took the loss, allowing six runs on 11 hits while striking out three over 5.2 innings.
• Senior Kaitlyn Ouellette (Wolcott, Conn.) recorded the final out in relief.

GAME TWO | USJ 10, SIMMONS 7

HOW IT HAPPENED

• USJ struck first in the top of the first inning after Brewer‑Karimi singled and Ouellette followed with a base hit. Sophomore infielder Kayla Phelps (Wolcott, Conn.) then lined a two‑RBI single up the middle to give the Blue Jays a 2–0 lead.
• Simmons answered with an unearned run in the bottom half of the inning, but USJ responded with three runs in the second. Sophomore outfielder Lorynes Suriel (Lynn, Mass.) opened the frame with a triple and later scored on an RBI groundout by sophomore catcher Abi Julian (Stafford Springs, Conn.). Browne followed with a double before Ouellette delivered a two‑RBI double to left field, extending the lead to 5–1.
• The Blue Jays added another run in the third when Suriel raced around the bases for an inside‑the‑park home run, pushing the advantage to 6–1.
• Simmons rallied with three runs in the bottom of the third to trim the deficit to 6–4, but USJ answered immediately in the fourth. Antonowicz singled and later scored along with Brewer‑Karimi on Ouellette's second two‑RBI double of the game, stretching the lead to 8–4.
• USJ added insurance in the fifth as Julian drew a walk and Browne singled before Brewer‑Karimi ripped a two‑RBI single to right field to make it 10–4.
• The Sharks continued to battle, scoring once in each of the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, but the Blue Jays held on to secure the 10–7 victory and earn the doubleheader split.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Ouellette led the offense, going 3‑for‑4 with four RBI and two doubles.
• Brewer‑Karimi finished 2‑for‑3 with two RBI and two runs scored.
• Suriel recorded a triple and an inside‑the‑park home run — her first homer of the season — while scoring twice.
• Antonowicz and Browne each added two hits.
• Senior pitcher Paige Fekete (Watertown, Conn.) earned the win in relief, allowing one unearned run over 2.1 innings.
• Sophomore pitcher Brenna Lyver (Enfield, Conn.) made the start, surrendering four runs on six hits in 2.2 innings.
• Escarraman recorded the final two outs in relief.

UP NEXT

The Blue Jays continue their six‑game road trip on Sunday, April 12, traveling to face GNAC South Division foe Mitchell College in a doubleheader. First pitch against the Mariners at Alumni Field in New London, Conn., is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

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