BRISTOL, R.I. – The Roger Williams University (RWU) Softball team split a Conference of New England (CNE) doubleheader with Wentworth on Saturday afternoon at Paolino Field. The Leopards took game one 5–2, while the Hawks responded with a 5–2 victory in game two.
Game One – Wentworth 5, RWU 2
Wentworth struck first in the opening inning, using a single and a walk to set up a two-RBI hit from Kelsey Medalia to jump out to an early 2–0 lead. The Leopards added another run in the third when Lauren Trostel launched a solo home run to extend the advantage to 3–0.
Roger Williams responded in the bottom of the third inning. Hailey Williams (Vernon, Conn.) reached with a single before Lucy Maurao (Holliston, Mass.) and Shannon Starratt (Lake George, N.Y.) worked walks to load the bases. Madison Moran (Attleboro, Mass.) delivered with a clutch two-run single up the middle, scoring Williams and Maurao to cut the deficit to 3–2.
Wentworth answered in the fifth inning, capitalizing on an error and a sacrifice bunt before Abby Delia drove in two runs with a double to left field to push the lead to 5–2.
The Hawks threatened late, putting runners on in the sixth and seventh innings, but Wentworth pitcher Julie Schriver closed out the complete-game victory.
Moran led Roger Williams at the plate with three hits and two RBI, while Williams added two hits and a run scored. Raegen Germano (Old Tappan, N.J.) took the loss for the Hawks, allowing four earned runs over five innings, with Sophia Bruno (Sandwich, Mass.) tossing two scoreless innings in relief.
Game Two – RWU 5, Wentworth 2
Wentworth again struck first, scoring an unearned run in the top of the first inning to take an early 1–0 lead. The game remained tight through four innings as both teams exchanged defensive stops and stranded runners.
Roger Williams broke the game open in the bottom of the fifth with a five-run inning. The rally began when Maurao reached base and Starratt followed with an RBI single to tie the game. Moments later, Moran reached on an error that allowed another run to score, giving RWU the lead. Madison Tucholski (Massapequa, N.Y.) added an RBI groundout, before Kayleigh O'Connor (Southington, Conn.) ripped an RBI triple to right center and Keira Quadros (East Providence, R.I,) followed with an RBI single to cap the five-run frame.
Wentworth pulled one back in the sixth on a passed ball, but the Hawks held firm down the stretch. Sophia Bruno (Sandwich, Mass.) entered in relief and shut the door over the final two innings to earn the save.
At the plate, Starratt recorded two hits and an RBI, while McKenzie Foley (Hanover, Mass.) added two hits. O'Connor's triple and RBI highlighted the Hawks' offense during the decisive fifth inning.
In the circle, Quadros earned the win after striking out six over five innings before Bruno secured the final six outs.
With the split, Roger Williams moves to 13–7 on the season and 5-2 in the CNE. The Hawks' next game will be a DH at home against Suffolk on Apr 12 starting at 12:00 PM, where they will host Senior Day.
