May 8, 2008
Box Score
STRATFORD, Conn. - The Marist softball team fell to top-seeded Canisius 9-4 on Thursday afternoon in the opening round of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament at DeLuca Field in Stratford, Conn. Michelle Fridey hit a big three-run homer in the top of the fourth inning to break the game open for the Golden Griffins. Marist was led by shortstop Melissa Giordano (Stamford, Conn.) who had a homer and two RBI's.
The Red Foxes threatened in the top of the first when Jessica Green (Manassas, Va.) reached on an error, and Annie Castellano (Hauppauge, N.Y.) followed with a single to put runners on first and third with two outs. Castellano was able to steal second base, but Canisius starter Juliette Bowers got out of the jam.
Canisius took the early lead in the bottom of the inning as Jenny Maheu led off with a double into the left center field gap. After an infield single, Katie Miranto flied out to right and both runners advanced on the play. With runners on second and third with one out, Marist starter Megan Rigos (Pittsburgh, Pa.) got a ground out, but Maheu eventually scored on a wild pitch.
The Golden Griffins tacked on two more in the bottom of the second. Rigos got the first out, but the next two Griffs singled. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch and ended up scoring on two more wild pitches later in the inning.
The Red Foxes got on the board in the top of the third thanks to a Giordano's solo home run, but Bowers retired the next three to get out of the inning. It was Giordano's sixth home run of the year.
Canisius extended their lead to 5-1 with two unearned runs in the bottom of the third, but Marist came back with two of their own in the top of the fourth. Kate Malloy (Fair Haven, N.J.) started things off with a single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. After a pop out, designated player Alanna Woody (Clinton Corners, N.Y.) singled up the middle to drive in Malloy. Mary Beth Pomes (Milford, Pa.) singled to put runners on first and third, and Giordano hit Marist's fourth single of the inning to bring in the third Marist run.
Canisius knocked out Rigos and put the game away with four runs in their fourth. Fridey's three-run homer was the big blow, and Cameron Norton followed with a solo shot of her own.
Marist scored one more in the fifth on another Woody RBI single for the final margin.
Both starters went 3.2 innings with Rigos (16-15) taking the loss. She allowed nine runs (three earned) on nine hits. She walked one and struck out zero. Caitlin Carpentier (Andover, Mass.) relieved Rigos and tossed 2.1 innings of scoreless relief. She scattered two hits.
Mallory Aldred got the win in relief for the Griffs as she allowed one run in her 3.1 innings of work.
Giordano, Malloy, and Woody each had two hits for the Red Foxes (22-28). Woody and Giordano drove in two runs as well. Pomes, Green, Castellano, and Alison Catenacci (Medfield, Mass.) all had one hit apiece.
Canisius (36-12) was led by Ashley Bonetto who was 3-for-3 with an RBI. Maheu was 2-for-3 with two runs scored.
Marist is scheduled to return to action tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. versus Niagara in the losers bracket of the tournament. All the action can be heard here at GoRedFoxes.com beginning at 12:50 p.m. The winner of the game will move on to face the loser of the Fairfield and Canisius game scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at 3:00 p.m.
Check GoRedFoxes.com for any updates, changes, and cancellations throughout the remainder of the tournament.
