NORFOLK, VA - The Iona College softball team used a pair of complete game efforts to pick up a pair of wins on day one of the Spartan Invitational. In game one, senior
Alyssa Maiese picked up her first career complete game victory as the Gaels defeated Morgan State 3-1. In game two, junior
Sarah Jackson had 14 strikeouts as the Gaels shutout Fairleigh Dickinson 2-0.
In the opener, the Gaels picked up two runs in the first inning. Sophomore CF
Jodi Petersen singled and was followed by senior 2B
Tessa Earley's bunt single. After a sacrifice bunt by sophomore DH
Eileen McCann moved the pair into scoring position, Maiese followed with a two run double to right center as the Gaels took a 2-0 lead.
The Gaels picked up their third run in the third inning. Earley led off with a single was moved over on a bunt. A single by freshman RF
Katie Jansson plated Earley and the Gaels led 3-0.
Morgan State plated a run in the seventh in a comeback attempt. Maiese was able to keep the damage minimal as the Gaels held on for a 3-1 victory. Maiese allowed four hits and one run while striking out five batters.
In game two, the Gaels posted their two runs in the fourth inning after the game was scoreless for the initial three. With two outs, Jansson walked and senior C
Melanie Gettins followed with a double down the left field line, driving in the rookie. Junior SS
Deanne Algeo followed with a single to right, scoring Gettins with the second and final run of the game.
Jackson dominated the Knights for seven innings, posting her first double digit strikeout performance of the season. It was the second most strikeouts in a game for the California native, who struck out 16 against Fairleigh Dickinson as a freshman on 3/16/2009. In three career starts against the Knights, Jackson has posted double digit strikeout totals.
The Gaels, 4-2 on the season, complete their weekend with a pair of games on Sunday. In game one, Iona takes on Monmouth at 11:00 am before a 1:00 pm contest with George Washington.
