The Columbia softball team will take a break from Ancient Eight play this afternoon with a visit to Iona College for a doubleheader. The Lions (12-26, 2-10 Ivy) recently closed out a four-game series against Cornell, emerging with one win and three losses.
On Sunday, the Gaels (10-19) split a doubleheader with conference opponent Canisius. Iona struggled in the opener, failing to capitalize on promising opportunities and stranding seven runners. The Griffs got on the board in the top of the third with two runs, and pitcher Mallory Aldred paced Canisius the rest of the way.
Despite an impressive performance on the mound from Iona’s Sarah Jackson—who pitched a complete game and allowed eight hits, two earned runs, and a walk to go along with three strikeouts—the Gael batters could not contend with Aldred’s pitching. In the 2-0 shutout, Aldred allowed just five hits and a walk while striking out 12.
After a quiet opener, the Gael offense came to life in game two, putting up 12 hits and two homers en route to a close 8-6 victory.
The game remained scoreless until the top of the second, when Courtney Christie gave the Gaels some life with a single up the middle. Pinch-runner Tierney Markou took her place on first and advanced after Deanne Algeo laid down a sacrifice bunt. Jaclyn Quinn followed with another sacrifice bunt before Melanie Hay connected for a grounder and reached base on a fielder’s choice. Markou beat out the throw at home for the game’s first run.
The Gaels broke the game open when Rachelle Harris came up to bat and delivered a three-RBI base hit to left field. Kayla O’Neil then singled and Melanie Gettins followed with a double to put Iona ahead 5-0.
The Gaels would maintain the advantage for the remainder of the game, weathering several threatening Canisius rallies. In the fourth, the Griffs came within two, but the Gaels built on their lead in true team fashion. Erin Kyle singled, stole second, and came home on Getting’s second RBI double of the game. Allyssa James then plated Gettins with a home run to right center.
Although they held a seemingly insurmountable 8-2 advantage, a second comeback attempt by the Griffs would soon put the Gaels’ lead in jeopardy. With an 8-5 score, Algeo was relieved after six and one-third innings. She gave up five hits, five runs (all earned), and four walks on the afternoon. Jackson picked up the save.
Gettins led the offense, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored.
The last time the Lions and the Gaels met, Columbia used its own team effort to sweep the doubleheader 8-1 and 5-3. Keli Leong had a banner day for the Light Blue, going 3-for-6 with five RBI.
The first pitch for game one today is scheduled for 3 p.m. in New Rochelle.
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