DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. - In sunny conditions, The Queens College softball team won the season series 3-1 against the Mercy College Mavericks in East Coast Conference action at Smith Field. The Knights won game one 8-4 before winning a close game two 4-2. With the wins, The Knights stayed in contention for a playoff spot as the wins improved the Knights to 9-16, 6-10 ECC, while the Mavericks moved to 15-19, 6-10 ECC.

GAME ONE:

The Knights opened the scoring in the top of the second as junior Kayla Morrissey belted her fourth home run of the season to right field. Sophomore ToniMarie Valeriano later blasted a three run home run to center to give the Knights a 5-0 advantage. The Mavericks answered in the bottom of the third with a three run inning. Kaylee Stevens singled to left field to score Marlena Marzigliano. Katiana Golino cut into the lead with a double to center field to score two Mavericks but was thrown out trying to head home by an alert throw from sophomore Victoria Carlo at second base to junior catcher Kylie Spillett.

Junior Stevianne Ognibene connected on QC's third home run in the game, and her first of the season, to put the game out of reach for the Mavericks. Julie Gross and the Mavericks were not willing to go without a fight in the bottom of the seventh as she homered to left field to cut the deficit to four.

Valeriano (5-7) pitched a complete game to earn the win while allowing 11 hits and four runs. Jackie Kielty (2-5) took the loss as she gave up six hits and five runs.

GAME TWO:

The Knights opened the scoring in the top of the third as junior Kristen Boody singled to right center, scoring sophomore Alyssa Neal from second. The Mavericks tied the game in the bottom of the inning as Liza Ueno grounded out to third to knot the game at 1-1, allowing Milana Gilaga to score.

In a close game, Queens trumped by pressuring Mercy as errors in the top of the sixth inning allowed Ognibene to score the game winning run. Freshmen Nicole Michaels singled to first base to score classmate Lauren Pascual to put the Knights up 3-1. Gross homered in back to back games to bring the Mavericks within one. Morrissey doubled the Knights advantage by singling up the middle to score Spillet.

Morgan Starley (3-2) pitched a complete game as she put a strangle hold on the Mavericks by giving up three hits, two runs and three strike outs. Mckaily Cusumano (6-6) took the loss despite giving up six hits, four runs with one earned run.

UP NEXT: The Knights continue their East Coast Conference action on Tuesday afternoon with a double header as they host the Golden Lions of Dowling College with game one slated at 3:00 pm from the QC Softball Field.