Softball Falls In Third Myrtle Beach Doubleheader

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) softball team lost a pair of non-conference contests on day three of the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic, 9-4 to Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT), and 4-2 to La Roche University (LRU), on the NMB Sports Complex Tuesday afternoon.

The Blue Jays struggled to keep pace to start the first game, down 7-0 to Penn College after one inning, They remained in the hunt against La Roche to the end, but could not get over the two run hump down the stretch. Saint Joseph will return to the circle when they take on Fitchburg State and Gettysburg on Wednesday, March 11 at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. respectively, for day four of the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic.

GAME INFORMATION
Game 1: Saint Joseph 4, Penn College 9
Game 2: Saint Joseph 2, La Roche 4
Records: USJ (0-6), PCT (2-2), LRU (3-0)
Location: NMB Sports Complex | N. Myrtle Beach, S.C.

COACH QUOTE [Jim McKinnon]
"Even though we dropped two today, we had encouraging signs. Our defense was great following the first inning against a good Penn College team. Julia [Annecchiarico] was consistent from the second onwards, and we strung together some hits and runs to outscore them 4-2. In the second game, Sange [Alessandra Milardo] pitched well enough to win, we just left nine runners on base. We need to find a way to bring them home if we want to win."

KEY MOMENTS

• Game 1: The Wildcats went wild to start the game, scoring seven of their nine runs in the first inning on a pair of singles and triples. The Blue Jays went on to outscore Penn College, 4-2, with key contributions from sophomore designated player Kacy O'Connor (Milford, Conn.), and sophomore center fielder Frankie Ferrante (Southington, Conn.). Penn pitching shut down USJ in the final two innings though, ending the comeback in the process.
• Game 2: The Red Hawks and Blue Jays both scored to get the game going, but pitching and fielding took control through the midway point of the contest. La Roche did capitalize though on a critical two-run third, which ultimately won the game for them. A double, error, stolen base and a single brought the two runs in to make it 3-1. Saint Joseph had its chances, but could not get enough runners 90 feet further to even the odds.

NUMBER TO KNOW

18 – The Blue Jays have been outscored 18-2 in the opening inning after three days of the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic.

NOTES (Game 1)

• Sophomore pitcher Mikayla Aldenderfer (Williamsport, Pa.) picked up the win (1-0) for the Wildcats, allowing two runs on seven hits in five innings of action. Sophomore pitcher Julia Annecchiarico (Ludlow, Mass.) was dealt the loss (0-1), allowing nine runs (4 ER) on 10 hits in six innings.

NOTES (Game 2)

• Junior pitcher Alexa Young (Altoona, Pa.) was solid throughout the contest, throwing a complete game in the victory (3-0), allowing only two runs despite 10 hits. She struck out seven to aid the cause. Junior pitcher and tri-captain Alessandra Milardo (Plantsville, Conn.) took the loss for USJ (0-1) in a well-rounded effort, allowing four runs on six hits in six innings of action. She also struck out five.

UP NEXT
The Blue Jays are playing in Myrtle Beach as part of a week-long trip of non-conference softball action, continuing on with day four of the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic against Fitchburg State and Gettysburg on Wednesday, March 11 at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. respectively.  

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