FAIRFIELD, CT – Despite 5.1 innings of one-hit shutout relief from freshman pitcher Marnie Skinner, the Iona College softball program dropped a non-conference tilt against Sacred Heart, 4-0.

Sophomore Jessica Harkness began the game for the Maroon & Gold and struggled to keep control.  She walked the first two batters she faced before a single by freshman Katelyn Christian loaded the bases.  Harkness almost escaped danger by getting the next two batters to pop out, but junior Stephanie Appelberg cashed in for the Pioneers with a three-RBI triple to right center.  Sacred Heart added an additional run when Appelberg crossed the plate on a pass ball.

Skinner came in to replace Harkness following the pass ball, and immediately went to work in keeping the Gaels in the contest.  She rookie struck out four and allowing just one hit in 20 batters faced.

 Sacred Heart senior starting pitcher Jamie Carlson was dominant in the circle for the home team, throwing seven shutout innings allowing just five hits while striking out seven.

Senior leftfielder Ashlyn Morris, senior first basemen Kristen Turner, junior Tori Danner, senior shortstop Katie Newton, and freshman designated player Jasmine Temple each recorded one hit.  Sophomore third basemen Kimberly Chiapparelli drew the lone walk of the day.  Turner's hit was a two-bagger, and Newton managed a steal following her base-knock.

Iona gets back to MAAC play this upcoming weekend with contests against Siena on Saturday, Apr. 8, and Marist on Sunday, Apr. 9.  Both double-headers begin at noon.