BUFFALO, NY — The Iona University softball team concluded its road weekend series at Canisius with a 2-1 setback on Sunday afternoon. The Gaels struck first in the opening frame, but it was a seventh inning rally from the Golden Griffins capped by a walk off sacrifice fly to take the finale at Demske Sports Complex.
 
Junior Brooke Acker tallied the lone hit for the Maroon & Gold with an RBI single in the top of the first. Junior Hailey Guerrero reached base twice with a pair of walks. Sophomore Allison Hoppe struck out seven batters in the start for the Gaels.

GAME SUMMARY

Iona got started on a two-out walk from Guerrero in the top half of the opening stanza. Acker then went first pitch swinging from there with an RBI single to right field for the early 1-0 lead.
 
From there it was a pitcher's duel as Olivia Manchester did not issue a hit or a base runner till a one-out walk in the seventh and fanned seven batters. Hoppe scattered six hits over the first six innings and struck out six.
 
Canisius leveled the game on the first pitch in the bottom of the seventh with a solo home run over the left field wall. After a strikeout, a walk and single through the right side put runners on the corners on the corners. A steal at second and a walk followed to load the bases. A fly ball to left field followed for the Golden Griffins as the lead runner successfully tagged and beat the throw home for the 2-1 final.

UP NEXT

The Gaels return to Donald E. Walsh Field for a five-game homestand next week. Up first is a non-conference doubleheader beginning at 2:30 p.m. against Army West Point on Wednesday April 16.