Softball Splits Non‑Conference Doubleheader at Anna Maria on Thursday

GAME ONE | USJ 4, AMC 5

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The AMCATS struck immediately, using a two‑run home run to take a 2–0 lead after the first inning.
• After two scoreless frames, USJ answered in the top of the fourth. Sophomore infielder Gabby Marichal (Lynn, Mass.) slashed an RBI single into the right‑center gap, plating senior outfielder Madelyn Ellis (Newington, Conn.) to cut the deficit to 2–1.
• AMC responded in the bottom half of the inning, tacking on a run to regain a two‑run advantage, 3–1.
• USJ answered again in the fifth, as junior infielder Jennifer Antonowicz (Wolcott, Conn.) scored on a wild pitch to trim the deficit to 3–2.
• Antonowicz then gave the Blue Jays the lead an inning later, delivering a two‑RBI single to put USJ in front, 4–3.
• However, the AMCATS evened the score in the bottom of the sixth, plating one run to make it 4–4 entering the seventh. The hosts carried that momentum into the final frame, securing the walk‑off victory, 5–4.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Marichal and sophomore outfielder Lorynes Suriel (Lynn, Mass.) paced the offense, each going 3‑for‑4.
• Antonowicz recorded a team‑high two RBI.
• Senior Paige Fekete (Watertown, Conn.) earned a no‑decision after allowing four runs on six hits while striking out five over 5.1 innings.
• Senior Kaitlyn Ouellette (Wolcott, Conn.) took the loss in relief, allowing one run on two hits while striking out two in 1.1 innings.

GAME TWO | USJ 7, AMC 5

HOW IT HAPPENED

• USJ opened the scoring in the top of the second when sophomore infielder Kayla Phelps (Wolcott, Conn.) blasted a solo home run to center field for a 1–0 lead.
• AMC answered with three runs in the bottom of the third to move in front, 3–1.
• The Blue Jays responded with a decisive five‑run fourth inning to take control. Suriel scored on an RBI bunt single from Marichal to pull within one. Later in the frame, Antonowicz drew a bases‑loaded walk to tie the game before a wild pitch brought home another run, giving USJ a 4–3 advantage.
• Ouellette followed with a two‑run single through the right side to extend the lead to 6–3.
• USJ added an insurance run in the fifth when freshman infielder Gracie Browne (Bristol, Conn.) singled to shortstop to score sophomore catcher Abi Julian (Manchester, Conn.), making it 7–3.
• AMC scored twice in the bottom of the seventh, but Ouellette entered the circle and recorded the final out to secure the 7–5 victory and earn the doubleheader split.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Marichal led the offense with a 2‑for‑3 showing and one RBI.
• Phelps launched her team‑leading fourth home run of the season.
• Ouellette drove in a team‑high two RBI.
• Marichal recorded the lone stolen base in the finale.
• Senior pitcher Analise Escarraman (Windham, Conn.) earned the win, improving to 5–3 after allowing five runs (one earned) on eight hits while striking out five over 6.2 innings.
• Ouellette picked up the save, striking out the final batter of the contest.

UP NEXT

The Blue Jays return to West Hartford on Saturday, April 18, for a pivotal Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) South Division doubleheader against intrastate rival Albertus Magnus College. The twin bill will also serve as Senior Day for USJ. First pitch at the USJ Softball Field is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.

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