FLUSHING, N.Y. – Returning to QC Softball Field, the Queens College softball team opened East Coast Conference play Friday afternoon by hosting the College of Staten Island Dolphins in a doubleheader.
The Knights totaled 12 hits across the twin bill, led by junior
Olivia Wanser (Westbury, N.Y.) and rookie
Brooke Waiting (Seaford, N.Y.), who combined for four hits and two RBI.
Game One – Queens 2, CSI 3
Queens fell behind early, surrendering two runs in the top of the first, but quickly responded in the bottom of the second inning.
Wanser jump started the offense with her third home run of the season, sending a leadoff blast over the left field fence. Rookie second baseman
Kayla Denino (North Babylon, N.Y.) followed with a walk and stole second before Waiting delivered an RBI double to center field to bring home the tying run. However, the Knights were unable to capitalize further, leaving Waiting stranded at third as the game remained tied at 2-2.
Rookie right-hander
Nellie Donahue (Levittown, N.Y.) and the Queens defense kept the Dolphins in check until the sixth inning, when a throwing error allowed the go-ahead run to score, giving CSI a 3-2 edge.
Queens threatened late, as Wanser reached on an error in the sixth, but the Dolphins avoided the damage to keep their 3-2 lead intact.
In the seventh, sophomore right fielder
Brigid Hood (Wantagh, N.Y.) and junior first baseman
Caylea Campbell (Murrieta, CA.) opened the frame with back-to-back singles. After a sacrifice bunt moved both runners into scoring position, CSI retired the next two batters to secure the 3-2 victory.
Game Two – Queens 0, CSI 2
Behind Campbell in the circle, the Knights kept the Dolphins scoreless through five innings.
The defense backed her effort with key plays, including double plays in the third and fifth innings to maintain the deadlock.
CSI broke through late, scoring in each of the final two innings to take control.
Despite multiple scoring chances, Queens left six runners on base and suffered a tough 2-0 setback.
Next Pitch
Queens remains at home and returns to action on Thursday, April 2, hosting St. Thomas Aquinas College in ECC play. First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
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