NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona University Softball dropped the third and final game of its Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference weekend series to Quinnipiac, 7-2 on Sunday afternoon. The Bobcats used a quick start at Donald E. Walsh Field to take the rubber game over the Gaels.
 
Sophomore Sara Piña led the Gaels with a multi-hit game. Rookie Rachael Morales and senior Alivia Lichtner both recorded a run batted in.

GAME SUMMARY

The Bobcats struck first in the top of the first with two outs as the runner crossed the plate as the Gaels were in a rundown to get the final out.
 
Quinnipiac followed that up with two runs in the second and three in the third to take a big 6-0 lead.
 
After getting retired in order the first two frames, rookie LeeAnn Downey led off the third with a single and sophomore Jovanna Donaruma followed that up with a double to left center. A walk loaded the bases before Morales drove in the first Iona run on a grounder to third base. The Bobcats thwarted Iona's rally attempt with back-to-back groundouts to end the inning.
 
The Gaels struck again in the bottom of the fourth as Piña lined a one-out triple to right field. Lichtner followed with the first pitch swing with an RBI double down the right field line to make it a four-run game.
 
Iona looked to chip away at the deficit in the fifth with runners at the corners and two out, but Quinnipiac once again ended the inning with a ground out.
 
The Bobcats used a four-hit top of the seventh to add their seventh and final run before holding the Gaels to just one hit in the bottom of the frame to secure the 7-2 victory.
 
Junior Allison Hoppe pitched the first two innings for the Maroon & Gold before rookie Melissa Gordon came on in relief to pitch the final five innings. 

UP NEXT

The Gaels continue their homestand on Tuesday, March 17 with a doubleheader against CCSU beginning at 1 p.m. from Walsh Field.