By Isabella Custodi, Sports Reporter
Canisius softball has improved their conference record to 9-5, winning both games of the doubleheader against Iona before losing in the third game in New Rochelle, NY on April 13 and 14.
Game one of the doubleheader finished 7-1 in favor of Canisius. Senior Megan Giese had an RBI triple in the top of the second, bringing Emily Ilano in as the first run of the game. Sophomore Gabi Farris gained the second run from a fielding error by Iona. Morgan Cook got the third run-in with another RBI triple for the team in the top half of the fourth. Fazzolari brought in Madysen Burkey with an RBI in the fifth. In the seventh inning, Cook hit a two-run double to bring Ilano and Ella Johel home. Giese pitched all seven innings with 12 strikeouts, making it her 11th win in the circle.
The second game of the doubleheader ended in an 8-3 victory for Canisius. Gianna Fazzolari had a home run in the first inning, making it her ninth of the season. In the third inning, Ilano hit a solo home run which is her fourth of the season. Ilano had a two-run double in the sixth, scoring Rosie Gomez and Johel. Kate Wiggins started in the circle for the Griffs, pitching five innings with two strikeouts. Giese came in to relieve Wiggins in the fifth, earning her second save of the season. Giese is now tied for second in saves in program history.
On April 14, at the third game of the MAAC series, Canisius lost to Iona 9-3. Sydney Costan hit an RBI, scoring Farris and Giese. Giese grounded out in the sixth inning, sacrificing herself to score Burkey. Wiggins started in the circle pitching two innings with four strikeouts, with Giese relieving her in the second. Giese pitched for two innings striking out three. Olivia Herrington replaced Giese to finish out the game in the fourth inning and threw 36 pitches. Canisius sits at 9–5 in conference play after the weekend series. Canisius sits steady in third place in the MAAC, trailing just Iona and Marist.
The Griffs will be back in action on April 17 against Syracuse University for a doubleheader in Syracuse, NY.
Photos courtesy of Tom Wolf