NEW ROCHELLE, NY — On the final day of the Santa Clara Tournament, the Iona College softball program fell short in heartbreaking fashion against North Dakota. The Fighting Hawks scored two runs in the top of the seventh to squeeze out a 4-2 victory over the Gaels. With the loss, the Maroon & Gold now stand at 5-10 on the season.
Despite pitching well, senior Christine Costello took the loss; she allowed four runs, three earned, on nine hits and one walk. She was outdueled by North Dakota’s redshirt sophomore Savannah Furia, who went the distance, letting up two earned runs on just three hits while striking out nine.
Both teams scored in their first at bats. The Fighting Hawks opening scoreboard tally came via a single to center field off the bat of senior second basement Taylor Hansen. The Gaels answered in the bottom of the frame with junior Ashlynn Morris crossing the plate on a RBI single from junior Kristen Turner.
North Dakota took the lead in the third when Hansen once again rocketed home a run with a RBI single. Costello was able to work out of the jam however, stranding two runners on the bases.
Sophomore Courtney Miller reached base with one out in the fifth on a single to right field, and following a steal of second base, Turner was able to bring home the right fielder to tie the game.
Hansen would remain the thorn in the Gaels side through the end; she singled through the right side to bring home VanDomelen and freshman outfielder Savannah Furia.
Iona finished the game stranding seven runners on base, including the basses loaded in the fourth. Freshman second basemen Hailey Thompson struck out swinging to end the Gaels best scoring chance.
Turner had two of the hits for Gaels, the other coming via Miller in the fifth. Thompson struggled at the plate, striking out three times, and leaving three on base.
The next match for the Maroon & Gold will be on Tuesday, March 22 against Pacific in Stockton, CA. First pitch is scheduled for 9:00 pm.