STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Looking to conclude their four-game week on a strong note, the Queens College softball team traveled to Staten Island for an East Coast Conference doubleheader against the Dolphins of College of Staten Island at CSI Softball Complex Saturday afternoon.
It would be a tough game one loss as the Knights were held to three hits led by freshman utility
Caylea Campbell (Murrieta, CA) (2-3 AB, 2B) second two-hit performance of the year, while senior first basemen
Jenny Murphy (East Islip, N.Y.) notched the other hit on the day.
With no run support, and with Campbell restricting the Dolphins to two runs on the day, the rookie would take her first conference loss of the year.
While in the nightcap the Knights would break out the bats recording 15 hits led by junior third baseman
Emma Zumpol (Patchogue, N.Y) (3-5 AB, RBI, R) second three-hit game of the year, Campbell
(3-4 AB, 2 2B RBI, 2R) second multi-hit game of the day and fourth of the year, senior
Arianna Fracchioni (Westbury, N.Y.) (3-4 AB, 2B, RBI, R) first three-hit game of the year and senior catcher
Kristina Verruso (Whitestone, N.Y) (2-3 AB, R) third multi-hit game of the year as they combined for 11 hits, three RBI, and five runs scored.
While junior right-fielder
Caroline Pescatore (North Babylon, N.Y.) (1-5 AB, RBI), Murphy
(1-4 AB, RBI), senior
Riley O'Connor (Maspeth, N.Y.) (1-3 AB, R) and sophomore shortstop
Allie Parascandola (East Quogue, N.Y.) (1-2 AB, 2RBI, BB, R) combined for four hits, four RBI, and two runs scored as the Knights tallied seven runs on the day.
While in the circle, Fracchioni
(W, 3-2 7.0 IP, 8H, 3ER, 3BB, 3K) would earn the complete game victory as the righty limited the Dolphins to eight hits with three runs scored as Queens earned a Saturday afternoon DH split with the game two victory to the final score of 7-3.
With the split, the Knights improved to 8-9 overall, and 3-1 in ECC play.
Game One Recap (QUEENS 0, STATEN ISLAND 2)
In the top of the second Campbell opened the inning with a double to left center before a sac bunt advanced her into scoring position. With the opening run 60 feet away, the Dolphins would avoid further trouble as they got out of the inning unscathed.
The Dolphins would take a 1-0 lead in the home half of the third using four hits but Campbell would leave the bases loaded to avoid further damage.
As the Knights were retired in order in the top of the fourth, the Dolphins would take a 2-0 lead using two walks and a single to their advantage.
Looking to respond Murphy opened the fifth with a single but the Dolphins would get a double play to end another scoring threat.
As Campbell continued to keep the Knights in the game, the Knights would have trouble getting on base.
Queens looked to rally in the top of the seventh as the Knights put runners on first and second on a hit by pitch and a single from Campbell. But as the Dolphins got the second out, a fielding error would load the bases as the Knights now had the tying run at second base.
But the Dolphins would hold off any comeback attempt to get the final out on a strikeout and take game one to the final score of 2-0.
Game Two Recap (QUEENS 7, STATEN ISLAND 3)
The nightcap would bring a combined six runs through the first inning and a half.
As Zumpol began the second game with a single through the right side, the Dolphins would get back-to-back outs before Campbell put the Knights up 1-0 with a RBI double to center field. Murphy would double the Knights advantage with a RBI single to center field as Campbell scored from second.
But CSI would waste no time scoring as they used three straight hits to tie the game at 2-2. But as Fracchioni got the next two outs, the second double of the inning would put the home side up 3-2 before Fracchioni got the seventh batter of the inning to strike out and end the inning.
Trailing 3-2, Parascandola earned a walk with one out before Zumpol advanced the sophomore to second base. With two outs, Pescatore would tie the game 3-3 with a RBI single through the right side as Paracandola scored.
With the game tied 3-3, it would become a pitcher's duel as both sides continued to keep both sides off the scoreboard.
Heading into the top of the seventh and the game tied 3-3, the Dolphins would get the first out before Campbell belted a double to left center as Queens had a runner in scoring position.
But CSI would get the next batter to pop up and looked to be getting out of trouble. However, Queens' offense would have other ideas as they rallied with two outs. Fracchioni helped her own cause with a RBI single to left field as Campbell scored from second.
Next batter O'Connor would keep the line moving with a single down the right field line before Verusso got hit by pitch to load the bases. With the bases juiced, Parascandola would help her senior righty with insurance runs with a two-RBI single down the right field line as the Knights took a 6-3 lead.
A RBI single from Zumpol would put the Knights up 7-3 as Queens added another run to help their cause.
Leading 7-3 Fracchioni would shut the door on the Dolphins as the righty worked around a one-out walk to get the next two batters out as Queens earned a 7-3 game two victory and picked up their third ECC victory of the year.
Next Pitch
The Knights now open an eight-game homestand beginning on Tuesday (Apr. 2) afternoon as they continue ECC play by welcoming the Lions of Molloy University to town. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m.
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