April 9, 2006
FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The Fairfield University softball team opened the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) season by dropping both ends of a doubleheader against Marist College. The Stags fell by a 5-1 count in the opener, and followed up with an 8-0 setback in the nightcap. Fairfield stroked four hits in each game, highlighted by a pair of hits by Julia Jacoby.
The first game started out as a pitcher's dual as neither team managed much offense against the starting pitchers. Fairfield right hander Cagney Ringnalda retired the first nine hitters she faced before Chrystine McHugh broke the run by getting hit by a pitch. After being sacrificed to second, Jessica Green drove home McHugh with a base hit to make the score 1-0. Jasmery Polanco sent home Green later in the inning with a double down the right field line.
Fairfield cut into the lead with a run in the fifth inning, as Riannon Thomas started the rally with a double, and took third base when Shannon Logan singled up the middle... Thomas scored when Breanne Morschauser bunted the ball and beat the play at first base, allowing Thomas to score. Marist scored three runs in the seventh inning after earning four walks and hitting a double in the frame, putting the game out of reach.
In the second game, Fairfield scratched out four hits including two in the third inning. Jacoby recorded her second hit of the game, and went to second on a ground out by Molly Harris. Tara Hansen lifted a base hit, and took second on a throw home that kept Jacoby on third base. Pitcher Caitlin Carpentier retired the next two hitters on ground outs to keep Fairfield off the scoreboard.
Marist used two big innings to take control of the game, including three unearned runs in the first inning. Giordano and Green each had an RBI base hit in that inning. The Red Foxes added four more runs in the third frame, including a leadoff home run by Green.
The Stags return to action on Monday when they make up a rained out doubleheader from Saturday at Saint Peter's College. The MAAC doubleheader is scheduled for a 2:30 pm start.
