CLEARWATER, FL – The Gaels bats were stifled in a pair of contests against the Maine Black Bears on Tuesday afternoon. Playing at a neutral site and splitting one home-game apiece, Iona dropped the first game 5-1 and was shutout in the finale, 1-0.
GAME ONE: Maine 5, Iona 1
Rookie Samantha Bender started the game for Iona and went the first three innings allowing four runs on six hits and two walks. She struck out three Black Bear Batters. Junior Alana Evans came on in relief and hurled the final four frames allowing just one run on two hits and two walks. The two-time MAAC Pitcher of the Week struck out five of the 16 batters she faced.
Senior Courtney Miller led the offensive attack for the Maroon & Gold with three hits. She reached base safely in each plate appearance. Junior Kimberly Chiapparelli had two hits and Iona's lone run scored. Junior Marisa Gergel, senior Tori Danner, and sophomore Jasmine Temple each had one hit.
GAME TWO: Maine 1, Iona 0
The Black Bears and Gaels combined for just six hits in a pitcher's duel that saw sophomore Marnie Skinner be pick up the loss in relief of senior starter Jessica Harkness. Iona's most veteran hurler went the first five innings and allowed just one hits and one walk. She struck out five of the 17 batters she faced. Skinner took the loss with allowing one run on three hits in her one inning of work.
Iona got two hits from Gergel and Chiapparelli. Miller and Danner each drew a free pass. The best chance for Iona to score came in the final inning.
Temple began the top of the seventh by reaching on an error. Chiapparelli singled to put runners on first and second with no out. Sophomore Ciarra DiGuilio made a productive out to put runners in scoring position with one out. Danner walked to load the bases, but Miller and junior Hailey Thompson both could not bring home the game-tying or game-leading run.
Iona is off until it's home-opening contest against the Fordham Rams on Wednesday, Mar. 21. First pitch from Donald E. Walsh Field at Rice Oval is set for 3:00 PM.
