BY JONNY WALKER, STAFF WRITER
The St. Bonaventure University softball team played seven-consecutive home games since Saturday, moving to 7-22 overall this season.
The Bonnies’ (7-22, 1-11) homestand began with a three-game series against St. Joseph’s University (12-15, 8-3).
Bonaventure took a second-inning, 1-0, lead in the series’ first game, courtesy of an Olivia Moon RBI double. It would be the Bonnies’ only lead of the series.
Bonaventure’s Ally Haskell allowed five earned runs in six innings pitched en route to a 9-1 Hawks’ victory. Emily Phelan took over pitching duties for the second game, allowing four earned runs en route to a 5-1 Hawk’s victory.
Unironically, errors in the field overshadowed Haskell and Phelan’s pitching for the Atlantic 10’s worst fielding team by fielding percentage (.930).
Bonaventure shortstop Kennedy Haberl, named Player of the Game after Saturday’s second contest, recorded six put outs, including a pair of acrobatic catches.
“As a shortstop, I always play my heart out, doing everything I can to back up the pitcher,” said Haberl. “And, in that game, that’s what I did.”
St. Joe’s completed the series sweep Sunday, winning 10-1, as the Bonnies committed six errors. Tierney Fitzgerald started in the circle for Bonaventure, allowing six earned runs.
In those three games, the Hawks relied on pitchers Emily Siler, Amanda Herr and Saige Stutz. Each allowed just one earned run.
Despite the sweep, Bonaventure players said their confidence never dwindled.
“This team does not give up,” said Haberl. “We have always had the determination and drive to prove people wrong the moment we step on the field.”
The Bonnies moved on to split a Tuesday doubleheader with Canisius (12-13, 2-2).
Frehsman Golden Eagle Toria Kover allowed just two earned runs en route to a 6-2 victory in her collegiate pitching debut.
Bonaventure rebounded, pulling out a 6-5 victory in a game called after six innings due to darkness. Freshman Elyse Graham took home Player of the Game honors, driving in three runs.
On Wednesday, Buffalo (14-11, 5-2) visited Joyce Field. Despite the one-day turnaround, the Bonnies were once again able to split the doubleheader.
In the opening game, Bonaventure raced out to a 2-1 lead thanks to a Grace Walker triple. A Bulls’ fielding error allowed Walker to score on the play. From then on, it was all Bulls, who won the game, 7-2.
Bonaventure sophomore pitcher Emily Phelan posted a career-high eight strikeouts en route to a 2-1 Bonnies victory to close out the doubleheader. Phelan allowed two hits in the contest, pitching a complete game.
Playing seven games in five days, the Bonnies posted a 2-5 record. However, they won two of the last three games.
“Both wins came in the second game of a doubleheader against two very good teams,” said Haberl. “I feel like this team is trending in a great direction as now we see that we are playing for each other.”
Despite sitting at the bottom of the A-10 standings, Bonaventure players remained optimistic about making a run to close the season.
“College softball is always crazy when it comes to the postseason,” said Haberl. “I think that if we keep playing the way we are now, for each other, making the A-10 Tournament is always an end goal to keep in mind.”
walkerjc20@bonaventure.edu
