HAMDEN, CT— The Iona University softball team capped the first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference weekend series at Quinnipiac with a 4-0 victory on Sunday afternoon. The Gaels picked up the series sweep over the Bobcats at Quinnipiac Softball Field.
Senior
Brianna Bailey and first-year
Sara Piña both recorded a run batted in for the Maroon & Gold. Junior
Brooke Acker registered a two-hit game. Sophomore
Allison Hoppe spun her second shutout of the season, scattering seven hits on the day.
GAME SUMMARY
The Gaels started hot for the third consecutive game, scoring in the opening frame. Acker got things going with a two-out double to left center. She would score on a hard-hit ball from Bailey that got misplayed at third for the early 1-0 lead. Iona capitalized on two more Bobcat errors in back-to-back plate appearances to take a 3-0 lead.
Quinnipiac threatened with a runner on second with no outs in the bottom of the second. Iona escaped trouble with a double play and a flyout to end the inning.
Iona tacked on the final run of the game in the top of fifth as Acker reached on an error to start the inning. First-year
Caelin Kosvitch came on as a pinch runner and earned a one-out steal to move into scoring position. After a strikeout, Piñq stepped to the plate and lined an RBI single to push the score to 4-0.
Hoppe held the Bobcats to just two base runners in the next two frames. Quinnipiac made one last push in the bottom of the seventh with three singles to load up the bases with two outs. Hoppe induced a line out to left field to end the game and seal the shutout win for the Gaels.
NOTABLE NUGGETS
- Acker picked up her sixth multi-hit game of the season for Iona.
- Bailey recorded a run batted for the third straight game of the series.
- Piña posted her third RBI in the last two games.
- Hoppe registered her third straight win in the circle and second shutout victory of the season. She scattered seven hits while surrendering just two walks and striking out three batters.
UP NEXT
Iona returns to Donald E. Walsh Field next weekend for a series against the defending MAAC Champions, Siena beginning on Saturday, March 29 with a doubleheader starting at noon. The Gaels take on the Saints for the first time since the 2024 season.
