NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona College softball program came up just shy of ending its California trip on a winning note. The Gaels fell in extra innings to Dartmouth, and were outmuscled by UC Davis in the Aggie Tournament finale.
GAME 1: Dartmouth 6, Iona 4 (8 Innings)
Iona and Dartmouth matched up for the third time in two weeks on Friday afternoon. In a closely contested contest, the Gaels received the tough loss once again to The Mean Green, this time falling in extra innings by a final score of 6-4.
Entering extra innings knotted up at four, Dartmouth was able to get across the winning runs in hectic series of events. Sophomore Tiffany Dyson was placed on second base to begin the inning, senior Jordan Courage began the inning on the mound for Iona, and senior third basemen Kelsey Miller at stepped into the box for Dartmouth.
Miller earned a walk, and following a bobble behind the plate by Iona senior catcher Allyn Clark, she headed toward second base in an attempt to get a pair of Dartmouth runners in scoring position. Dyson was already on her way to the third following the pass ball.
After receiving the ball back from Clark, Courage threw the ball toward junior shortstop Katie Newton in an attempt to stop the advancement. The hurl sailed into center field, allowing both Dyson and Miller to cross the plate. Following this event, freshman Allyne Clark came in and replaced Courage.
Courage pitched seven innings overall, allowing six total runs, four earned, on seven hits and four walks. Evans came in and pitched a scoreless inning in relief.
Freshman Lauren Stone started the game for Dartmouth, receiving a no decision by going five innings, giving up four runs, three earned. Senior Morgan McCalmon came in the sixth inning, and pitched a shutout over her three innings, striking out six of the nine batters she faced.
Iona had seven hits on the day, two apiece by freshman right fielder Marisa Gergel, senior first basemen Christine Costello, and Courage. Junior designated player had one hit from the cleanup spot.
For Dartmouth, sophomore Lourlin Lara had three hits to lead all players, and senior shortstop Katie McEarchern chipped in two.
The extra-inning defeat was the second extended loss of the season for the Maroon & Gold, their first being in the season opener against Lehigh.
GAME 2: UC Davis 7, Iona 2
The Iona College softball team came up short in the second game of the Aggie Tournament, falling to the host UC Davis by a final score of 7-2.
Sophomore Jessica Harkness started the game for the Maroon & Gold; she went two innings, allowing two runs on three hits. Costello came in relief to pitch the final four frames, allowing five earned runs while striking out four.
Gergel had two hits and an RBI atop the batting order, and Newton chipped in a pair of one-baggers in her four at bats. Senior Sarah Schultz collected two hits and an RBI from the eight spot in the order. The Gaels left eight total runners on base.
The top of the UC Davis batting order did the most damage, combining to go 7/11 with three runs scored and three driven in.
Iona’s next game will be at Seton Hall on Wednesday, March 30 in West Orange, NJ. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 PM.