BUFFALO, NY - The second-seeded Iona College took a 6-2 victory over top-seeded Canisius College in game three of the 2010 MAAC Softball Championship at Canisius' Demske Sports Complex. The win advances the Gaels to the Championship Round of the tournament.
Canisius scored its two runs in the top of the second inning as Katie Lancelotti scored on a fielder's choice and pinch runner Lauryn Chris reached home plate on a sacrifice fly by Lauren Hope.
Iona pulled ahead, however, in the bottom of the fifth, starting with an RBI single by junior Alyssa Maiese drove in pinch runner Amy Metcalfe. Sophomore Melanie Hay and junior Erin Kyle then scored on a sacrifice bunt by sophomore Chelsea Sheehan. Sheehan's bunt attempt was picked up by the Canisius third baseman whose throw was high and enable Sheehan to reach and head to second. The throw got past the Canisius right fielder backing up the play which enabled Sheehan to advance home.
The Gaels then added two more runs in the sixth inning, with junior Melanie Gettins knocking a single to right field to bring in Kyle and sophomore Allyssa James and secure the win.
Sophomore Sarah Jackson improved to 17-6 on the season with the win, allowing nine hits and striking out two batters. Canisius' Caroline Main dropped to 16-7 on the season, giving up seven hits and two earned runs while fanning eight batters.
Iona will play the winner of today's Game 5 between Canisius and Niagara Saturday at noon.
