Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. ? The Manhattan College softball team split its MAAC doubleheader with local rival Iona (9-24, 3-5) this afternoon at Gaelic Park in Riverdale. Despite dropping the opening contest 5-2, the Lady Jaspers' rallied for a come back 2-1 win in game two. Freshmen Melissa Donnelly and Nicole Michel each posted two RBIs in the doubleheader.
Iona jumped out to a 5-0 advantage in game one, after registering three runs in the third inning and two more in the fifth. Gaels' starting pitcher Becky Riccitelli held Manhattan (7-24, 2-6) to four hits, while striking out 10 in a complete game effort.
The Lady Jaspers built momentum in the bottom of the sixth when outfielder Jaclyn Churilla reached base on a single. Three batters later, Michel blasted a two out double to get two runs across home plate.
Although, Riccitelli's efficient pitching would hold off the Lady Jaspers, as she retired the next four batters to secure a 5-2 decision.
Iona struck first in game two with a RBI single from Courtney Christie in the top of the first inning. However, Manhattan put together a late surge in the bottom of the fifth to over come its deficit. Ashley Rampino connected on a lead off double to center field, before Donnelly blasted a shot in the same vicinity to drive in two runs.
Rampino held Iona to just one hit over the final three innings to preserve the 2-1 victory.
The Lady Jaspers return to action tomorrow afternoon for its match up with Rider. The first game of the doubleheader begins at 1 p.m. in Lawrenceville, N.J.
