NEWPORT, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Softball team traveled down Rt. 114 for a twinbill against in-state TCCC rival Salve Regina University, where the Hawks fell in the first game 5-3, but came back to take the second 6-2.
Salve Regina University freshman infielder Jo Quintana (Denver, Colo.) drove a 3-0 pitch down the middle of the plate right back up the middle to drive in two runs in the 3rd inning of game one to lead the Seahawks to a 5-3 victory over Roger Williams University. Sophomore shortstop Hannah Pirez (Bolton, Mass.) blasted a two-run homer in the sixth inning of game two to lift the visitors to a split of The Commonwealth Coast Conference doubleheader, 6-2.
Both teams featured leadoff batters with three runs scored apiece in their respective wins. Salve Regina freshman Ali Muehlbronner (Glenside, Pa.) collected two hits and reached base safely in all four plate appearances in the opener. Senior OF Michelle Caprice (Oak Ridge, N.J.) had only one hit but reached base three times and scored all three times for the Hawks.
Salve Regina (12-10; 7-7 TCCC) starting pitcher Sarah Jakiela (Meriden, Conn.) earned the decision in both games, striking out nine in a five-hit winning effort in game one. She had a key basehit in the 5th inning of game two when the Seahawks took a 2-1 lead. But Pirez drove her league-leading eighth round-tripper the very next frame to make a winner out of freshman pitcher Kelly Marcin (Windsor Locks, Conn.).
In a 1-1 game two in the visitor's 5th inning, Roger Williams (15-14; 7-7 TCCC) put its lead-off hitter on third base. After an infield pop out, Salve Regina freshman LF Zeena Barbarita (Johnston, R.I.) caught a deep foul fly and then delivered a one-bounce strike to senior catcher Alicia Ferri (Pasadena, Calif.) for the inning-ending double-play.
Burke finished with nine assists from the left side including a trio during a 1-2-3 7th inning.
Salve Regina hosts Curry College on Thursday at Toppa Field (4 p.m.) while Roger Williams entertains Eastern Nazarene College in a TCCC twinbill in Bristol.
- Release courtesy of the Salve Regina University Sports Information Department
