Softball's Offense Pounds Purchase for Skyline Sweep

Patchogue, N.Y. – The St. Joseph's softball team took two games from the Purchase Panthers, 6-1 and 10-1, to start their Skyline Conference schedule at home Tuesday afternoon.  In what was a delayed home debut for the Golden Eagles (4-6, 2-0 Skyline), it was certainly a successful one as they dominated Purchase (3-3, 0-2 Skyline) in all aspects of the game, highlighted by a ten-run second inning in game two.

The second inning was the most productive for SJC in both games, as in game one the Golden Eagles struck for five runs.  Lindsay Corriss started the scoring with an RBI groundout and then Megan Leun opened the floodgates with a two-run single to center.  Leun came around on a few Purchase miscues and then Nicole Reda brought home the fifth run with a bases loaded walk.

Pitcher Mallory McClafferty (2-2) put forth a terrific outing in the circle for SJC, allowing only one earned run, three hits, four walks and striking out seven.  SJC was able to strike for their six game one runs on only four hits, thanks to three Panther errors and seven walks.

In game two, a massive ten-run second stanza for the Golden Eagles set the game on cruise control early, resulting in a five inning run-rule shortened affair.  Purchase took the lead in the top of the second via an RBI triple off starter Lauren Buturla (1-2), but that was her only blemish of the day. The freshman went all five innings, allowing seven hits, no walks and picking up 5 K's.

Highlighting the second inning for SJC was a two-run homer to left center by Julianne Tierney, a two-RBI double by Casey Thomas, a two-run single from Megan Leun and RBI base hits by Tara Bernocco and Gianna Gulli.  In all, the inning featured ten runs, nine hits, and three Purchase errors.

St. Joseph's returns to the Outdoor Field Complex on Thursday afternoon as they take on New Jersey City University in a non-conference doubleheader beginning at 3:30 p.m.