BROOKLYN, NY — The Iona University Softball team got back in the win column on Wednesday afternoon with a 5-2 victory over LIU. The Gaels were led by rookie Rachael Morales who drove in all five runs in the non-conference victory over the Sharks at LIU Softball Complex.
 
Morales went 3-for-3 at the dish with a leadoff solo home run, a third-inning two run blast and a two-RBI single up the middle in the seventh. Senior Hailey Guerrero and sophomore Addie Smith had the other two Iona hits. The Gaels used a bullpen day as rookie Melissa Gordon, juniors Allison Hoppe and Bella DiGiandomenico and sophomore Marylou Piazza all pitched in the win.

GAME SUMMARY

It was a strong start for Iona as Morales opened the game by lining the 2-1 offering over the center field wall for the early 1-0 favor.
 
After a one, two, three first inning, the Sharks lurked in the second with runners on second and third with one-out. Gordon and the Gaels defense got the second out at the plate on a fielder's choice ground out before senior Brooke Acker ended the inning with the caught stealing at second base.
 
Senior Hannah Werth worked a five-pitch walk with one-out in the top of the third for Iona. Morales followed and won the six-pitch at bat, smoking the 3-2 pitch over the right field wall for the 3-0 margin.
 
LIU countered in the bottom of the inning with a lead off double followed by a two-run home run to left field to make it a 3-2 ballgame. Iona escaped the inning with a double play and fly out.  The Gaels then scooped up another double play to end the fourth inning of action.
 
Iona tacked on insurance runs in the top of the second as rookie LeeAnn Downey reached on the fielder's choice. Smith followed with a single to left field. Werth proceeded to earn her second walk of the game to load the bases. Morales took advantage of the hitter's count, sending the 3-1 pitch back up the middle for a two-RBI double.
 
The Sharks were retired in order in the bottom of the seventh to give Iona the 5-2 victory.
 
Gordon pitched the first two innings issuing just one walk and zero hits. Hoppe pitched the next two frames, surrendering two runs. DiGiandomenico then threw the next two innings, issuing zero hits with one walk and one strikeout. Piazza capped the day with a one-two-three seventh inning for her first collegiate save.

UP NEXT

The Gaels return home to Donald E. Walsh Field for a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference weekend series against defending champions, Marist. The series kicks off with a noon doubleheader on Friday, April 3.