BRISTOL, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Softball team swept Rhode Island College in their home opener this afternoon on Paolino Field, taking game one 2-1 and then game two 5-2.
Game One – RWU 2, RIC 1
The game remained scoreless through the first five innings as both teams struggled to generate offense. Roger Williams starter Raegen Germano (Old Tappan, N.J.) and Rhode Island College's Gabby Cunha traded strong performances in the circle, keeping hitters off balance early.
Roger Williams broke through first in the bottom of the sixth inning, beginning with Lucy Maurao (Holliston, Mass.) reaching base on a walk and coming around to score on an RBI single from McKenzie Foley () to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead. Later in the inning, Madison Moran (Attleboro, Mass.) doubled to left field, bringing home Foley and extending the advantage to 2-0.
Rhode Island College threatened in the top of the seventh, plating a run on an RBI groundout by Jillian Guilfoyle to cut the deficit to 2-1. However, Germano limited the damage and closed out the game to secure the victory.
Roger Williams totaled seven hits in the contest, with Foley leading the way with a 2-for-3 performance and an RBI. Moran also recorded two hits, including her RBI double, while Kayleigh O'Connor (Southington, Conn.), Nicolette Fraser (Swampscott, Mass.), and Andie Moreira (Concord, N.H.) each added a hit.
In the circle, Germano earned the complete-game victory, allowing just three hits and one run while striking out six and walking one over seven innings.
Game Two – RWU 5, RIC 2
Roger Williams wasted no time getting on the board, as Shannon Starratt (Lake George, N.Y.) launched a three-run home run in the bottom of the first inning, scoring Maurao and Hailey Williams (Vernon, Conn.) to give the Hawks an early 3-0 lead.
Rhode Island College responded in the top of the second inning when Lily Bell connected on a two-run home run to cut the deficit to 3-2, but that would be as close as the Anchorwomen would get.
The Hawks added to their lead in the fifth inning when Madison Tucholski (Massapequa, N.Y.) delivered a solo home run to extend RWU's advantage to 4-2. Roger Williams tacked on an insurance run in the sixth inning as Foley singled to left center, driving in Grace Forsythe (Woburn, Mass.) to make it 5-2.
Roger Williams finished with six hits in the contest, with Foley leading the way with another 2-for-3 performance and an RBI. Starratt and Tucholski each provided key home runs, accounting for four of the team's five RBIs.
In the circle, Keira Quadros (East Providence, R.I.) earned the win, pitching 5.1 innings while allowing two runs on six hits and striking out three. Sophia Bruno (Sandwich, Mass.) closed out the game to earn the save, allowing just one hit over 1.2 scoreless innings.
Rhode Island College recorded seven hits, led by Jillian Guilfoyle, who went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate.
Roger Williams (6-5) will look to carry the momentum from the sweep into Tuesday, Mar. 24 when the Hawks host Coast Guard for a doubleheader at 3:00pm and 5:00pm.
