WENHAM, Mass. – The Roger Williams University Softball team swept Gordon College in Conference of New England (CNE) play to close out their regular season on Saturday afternoon. The Hawks took game one 4-1, before defeating the Fighting Scots in game two 7-4. In game one, Raegen Germano (Old Tappan, N.J.) threw 14 strikeouts to log her 400th career strikeout.
Game One: RWU 4, Gordon 1
The Hawks struck first in the opening inning, as Madison Moran (Attleboro, Mass.) lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home Lucy Maurao (Holliston, Mass.) for a quick 1-0 lead. Roger Williams added to its advantage in the third inning when Moran delivered again, launching a two-run home run to center field to score Shannon Starratt (Lake George, N.Y.) and extend the lead to 3-0.
Gordon responded in the fourth inning with a solo home run from Lizzie DeRusha to cut into the deficit, but that would be the only run allowed by the Hawks.
Roger Williams added an insurance run in the sixth inning, as Skye Merrow (Hudson, N.H.) tripled down the right field line to drive in McKenzie Foley (Hanover, Mass.), pushing the lead to 4-1.
The Hawks totaled 10 hits in the game, led by Starratt, who went 3-for-4 at the plate. Maurao added two hits and a run scored, while Moran drove in three runs. Merrow also contributed an RBI in the win.
In the circle, Germano delivered a dominant complete-game performance, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out 14 over seven innings.
Game Two: RWU 7, Gordon 4
The Hawks came out swinging in the opening inning, as Maurao and Moran each delivered solo home runs to give Roger Williams a quick 2-0 advantage.
After several scoreless innings, the Hawks broke the game open in the fifth. Foley lined a two-RBI single to score Starratt and Maurao, and Madison Tucholski (Massapequa, N.Y.) followed with an RBI double to extend the lead to 5-0.
Gordon got on the board in the bottom of the sixth with an RBI double from Emily Graham, but Roger Williams answered again in the top of the seventh. Foley continued her strong day with an RBI triple, and Kayleigh O'Connor (Southington, Conn.) added a sacrifice fly to push the lead to 7-1.
Gordon mounted a late rally in the bottom of the seventh, scoring three runs to cut into the deficit, but the Hawks were able to close out the game and complete the sweep.
Roger Williams totaled 14 hits in the win, led by Foley, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored. Maurao added two hits, including a home run, while Moran recorded two hits and an RBI, also including a home run. Tucholski and O'Connor also drove in runs as part of the offensive effort.
In the circle, Keira Quadros (East Providence, R.I.) earned the win, allowing one run over six strong innings while striking out three. Natalie Lundari (Flemington, N.J.) worked in relief, and Sophia Bruno (Sandwich, Mass.) recorded the final out to secure the save.
Roger Williams moves to 24-13 overall and 13-7 in conference play to close out the regular season.
