NEW ROCHELLE, NY – The Iona College softball team dropped a non-conference contest against neighborhood rival Fordham on Tuesday afternoon. The Rams earned the 6-1 final decision with seven hits and six walks against the Maroon & Gold's hurlers.

Senior Jessica Harkness started the game for Iona and went 3.2 innings allowing four earned runs on four hits and four walks. She also hit one batter. The Rams got two extra base hits, including one solo homerun from sophomore Skylar Johnston in the top of the first inning.

Freshman Samantha Bender entered in relief in the top of the fourth inning and finished the game going the final 3.1 innings. She allowed one earned run on three hits, none of which were extra bases. Bender struck out four of the 15 batters she faced.

Iona scored its lone run in the bottom of the fifth inning. With two outs and the bases loaded, the Gaels were gifted a run when Johnston committed an error at third base. Junior Hailey Thompson, who started at shortstop for the first time in her collegiate career, crossed the plate.

Junior Marisa Gergel, sophomore Taylor Brown and senior Courtney Miller each had one hit. Sophomore Jasmine Temple had a team-high two hits. Sophomore Ciarra DiGuilio earned two free passes against the Fordham starter.

Graduate Lauren Quense picked up her second win of the season allowing five hits and one unearned run. She dished out four free passes but struck out the Gaels six times.

It's a short turnaround for the Maroon & Gold as they travel to West Point, NY for a single game against the Army Black Knights.

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