FAIRFIELD, CT – The Manhattan Jaspers softball team (7-21, 4-6 MAAC) took down the Pioneers of Sacred Heart University (16-19, 6-6 MAAC) in both games of the rescheduled doubleheader by scores of 1-0, and 4-3, respectively from Pioneer Park on Wednesday afternoon.
GAME ONE: (Manhattan – 1 | Sacred Heart – 0)
- Coming off the extra day of rest due to inclement weather in the region, the Green and White came out with a vengeance. The Pioneers threatened early, but tight defense brought any momentum to a standstill.
- Following an error by starting pitcher Karissa Spring, the Pioneers would put runners in scoring position. With a baserunner on third, the Jaspers and Spring would get out of the jam with a pop out to third base, while Sacred Heart's Davis grounded out to second.
- With the bases loaded in the top of the fourth inning, Jamie Falotico worked a walk and brought Brianna Estevez home to score the first and only run of the game.
- Spring then proceeded to retire the next 11 batters to secure a marquee conference victory for Manhattan.
GAME TWO (Manhattan – 4 | Sacred Heart 3)
- Looking to build upon its shutout victory in game one, the Jaspers took advantage of the Pioneers' early miscues. Anissa Villalobos opened the game getting hit by a pitch.
- Lindsay Hoag singled to the shortstop after Villalobos advanced on a Pioneers wild pitch.
- Two batters later, Sophia Kiseloski singled up the middle to drive home Hoag and Villalobos to take an early two-run advantage.
- Once Sacred Heart responded, the Jaspers began the fourth inning with a Pepper Markel double to right field to bring home Karissa Spring, who started the inning with a base knock to center.
- The Jaspers loaded up the bases with one out, and Brianna Estevez worked a walk to bring home Markel to give the Green and White a three-run edge.
- Karissa Spring replaced Victoria Diaz in the circle in the bottom of the seventh inning, where Sacred Heart had the tying run on third base. Spring retired the final two batters to take both games of the doubleheader.
STATS AND NOTES
- Karissa Spring recorded a pair of decisions in the doubleheader, beginning with a seven-inning gem and allowing just four hits and not a single earned run. Followed by a save in the backend of the doubleheader.
- At the plate, Spring has now logged hits in three of her last four games and scored a run in the second game against Sacred Heart.
QUOTES FROM THE JASPERS:
Head Coach Bridget Hurlman: "So proud of this group and how they performed on the field today. We had amazing defensive plays, and the pitching was outstanding. Our offense found a way to get on the board when we needed it most in the first game and really had some big shots to put us up in the second game. We showed grit and a lot of poise to grab two big MAAC wins."
NEXT UP:
The Jaspers are back in action on Friday, April 11, to welcome the Peacocks of Saint Peter's University to Gaelic Park for a two-game doubleheader beginning at noon. The game can be viewed on GoJaspers.com.