POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — The Iona University softball team bested five-seed Canisius, 4-0 on Wednesday morning in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference elimination bracket at Gartland Field. The Gaels utilized a four-run third inning on home runs by juniors Brianna Fischer and Hailey Guerrero.
 
Fischer broke open the scoring with a three-run shot and Guerrero followed up two batters later with her 13^th home run of the season. Sophomore Allison Hoppe spun a three-hit shutout with seven strikeouts.

GAME SUMMARY

The Gaels were held hitless through the first two frames while the Golden Griffins recorded a double in the first and junior Hannah Werth made a diving stop to end the opening frame.
 
Sophomore Madison Campeau recorded the first Iona hit with a one-out single to center field in the third inning. Rookie Marylou Piazza followed with a single to center field to put two runners on. Fischer stepped to the plate and lined a three-run shot over the right field fence. After a strikeout, Guerrero stepped to the plate and launched the high pitch over the left field fence.
 
The run support was all Hoppe needed, closing out the game issuing just two hits and Hoppe was lights out from there, issuing just two hits and three strikeouts for the shutout win.

NOTABLE NUGGETS

• Hoppe picked up her 15^th win this season and her fifth shutout victory. It was the ninth time this season she struck out five or more batters.
• Fischer hit her fifth home run of the season and the second three-RBI game of the season.
• Guerrero launched her 13^th home run of the season, tying for second on the program's single season record. She also scored her 40^th run of the season, becoming the second Gael to eclipse the mark. Tina Pelaez holds the single season mark with 41 runs scored set back in 1985. 

UP NEXT

The Gaels will take on the loser of the Fairfield / Rider matchup in another elimination game currently slated for 3:45 p.m. at Gartland Field.