Marist softball completed a sweep of the Niagara Purple Eagles on Sunday, winning the final game of the series 12-6.
After two wins yesterday, the Red Foxes used a seven-run first inning to set the tone on Sunday. Niagara hung around, but each time the Purple Eagles scored, Marist answered with runs of its own to maintain control. Senior outfielder Peyton Pusey capped an excellent series with a four-hit performance and two runs scored. Over the three games, Pusey went 8-for-11 (.727) with two home runs, five runs scored and four RBIs.
Freshman pitcher/utility Ryan Hatty stepped back into the circle for her second start in as many days, but was not nearly as sharp. Hatty only faced five batters in the first inning before getting removed and allowed all of them to reach; Hatty and sophomore pitcher/outfielder Jenna Martin issued four walks and one hit by pitch combined in the first inning. The freshman re-entered in the second, but the brief hiatus offered little relief. Over 4.2 innings, Hatty allowed nine runs (eight earned) on 10 hits with seven walks.
The Red Foxes received contributions from throughout the lineup, as seven of the nine starters recorded at least one hit and four had multiple hits: Pusey, graduate student infielder Haley Ahr, senior catcher Isabella Manory and freshman first baseman/outfielder Lily Roumelis. After seeing Hatty on Saturday, Marist’s hitters showed more discipline against her changeup and limited weak contact.
In the first inning, Marist batted around and sent 13 hitters to the plate while the first six reached base before an out was recorded. Ahr opened the scoring with an RBI single, and after a bases loaded walk plated another run, freshman utility Livia Wiltsie’s first collegiate grand slam gave the Red Foxes a commanding 6-0 lead. The seven-run outburst marked the third time this season Marist has scored seven runs in an inning.
After a scoreless first, Niagara responded with four runs of its own in the top of the second against junior pitcher/outfielder Anna Sidlowski. In her first appearance since March 1, the junior surrendered six consecutive hits in the inning, resulting in head coach Joe Ausanio going to the bullpen for the first time in MAAC play. In five starts this season, Sidlowski has not completed four full innings of work.
Sidlowski exited with runners on second and third and one out, paving the way for freshman pitcher Kaylie DeChicchis. DeChicchis, who has been thrust into several situations with runners in scoring position this season, induced a foulout and a groundout to hold the 7-4 lead.
The freshman southpaw completed the final 5.2 innings, allowing just two runs on solo home runs by freshman infielder/outfielder Sophia Chemotti and freshman catcher/outfielder Kelli Plumaker. Outside of those long balls, DeChicchis pounded the strike zone and did not issue a walk. In 27.2 innings pitched this season, she has walked only four batters.
Graduate student pitcher Ava Metzger and redshirt sophomore pitcher Stella Blanchard are the clear-cut Saturday starters, but DeChicchis’ ability to consistently throw strikes and keep hitters off balance has been a welcome addition to Marist’s staff.
The Red Foxes will put their five-game MAAC winning streak to the test on March 21 against Saint Peter’s. First pitch is set for noon in Poughkeepsie.
Edited by Max Rosen
Graphic by Xavier Angel
Photo from Marist Athletics
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