The St. Bonaventure University softball team split a doubleheader against Robert Morris University on Wednesday at Joyce Field.
The first game, the Bonnies won thanks to a two-run, sixth inning home run from senior outfielder Kelly Farrell. Also driving in runs for Bonaventure were junior infielder Hailey Blencowe and sophomore first baseman Allie Piergustavo. Senior outfielder Desiree Gonzalez also scored on a wild pitch.
Junior pitcher Josie Borysevicz got the start, and freshman Sam Wood came pitched 1.2 innings of relief. Borysevicz struck out four batters, walked one and gave up two earned runs.
In the second game, freshman Rylee Hehir went all seven innings.
The Colonials put four across the plate in the fifth to secure the win.
Bonaventure held the lead until then thanks to bunt single from senior infielder Kiera Lorenzo that scored freshman pinch runner McKenna Holtz. Sophomore outfielder Brittany Fair and Piergustavo also scored thanks to a throwing error and a wild pitch.
Piergustavo said in the first game everyone competed well as a team. They were able to execute plays both on the field and at the plate that allowed them to move runners into scoring position. The second game went well too, she said, although a couple times the team fell short, and Robert Morris took advantage.
Softball often has to play double headers back-to-back, which Piergustavo said can affect players’ fatigue levels.
“Playing hard for one game is easy, but playing hard for two games in a row is a true test of toughness,” Piergustavo said. “We’ve improved in this area as the season has progressed, and knowing how to muscle through two games in a row is important to succeeding.”
Piergustavo said now that the team is in Atlantic 10 competition, the team’s expectations are higher.
“We’re competing well with every team we face, and we expect our best performances in every game we play,” Piergustavo said.
The Brown and White are in action again this weekend as they travel to Dayton to play a doubleheader on Saturday and a third game Sunday.
signorra15@bonaventure.edu
