Softball Hosts John Jay and NJCU in Home Opening Weekend

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Following a 2-4 trip to Virginia to kick off the season, the St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn) softball team will christen their new home field, Gil Hodges Field, with a doubleheader against John Jay College on Friday (Mar. 16). The Bears are back at it a day later, taking on NJAC foe New Jersey City University.

Friday, Mar. 16 at 3:30 & 5:30 p.m.
vs. John Jay

Opponent's Info: Schedule | Roster | Stats
Coverage: Live Stats: Game 1, Game 2

Previously

• St. Joseph's kicked off their season last Thursday (Mar. 8) in D.C. against Gallaudet, splitting the doubleheader with a 6-1 loss followed by an 8-6 victory. The next day they took their talents to the Virginia Beach Blast, falling to SUNY Potsdam (6-1) and Hunter (10-1) on day one. SJC played Hunter for the first time ever, and their two opponents on day two were brand new as well. The Bears took down Keuka 5-3 in their first game but then fell to Allegheny 8-0 in the final contest of the weekend.
• John Jay's scheduled season opener at Yeshiva (Mar. 13) was postponed making Friday's twin-bill their season opener. Last year, the Bloodhounds struggled in non-conference play finishing 6-22-1 overall, but 6-6 within the CUNYAC. They lost 11-straight outings to begin the campaign but bounced back with five league wins in a row as they qualified for the postseason and lost in the first round.

Keys to the Contest

• The Bears' offense had an up-and-down opening weekend as they were outscored 39-16 overall. However, sophomores Amber Wainwright, Brianna Baglino, and freshman Kelsie Whalen enjoyed hot starts at the plate. Wainwright currently leads the team with a .474 average (two RBI, two 2B, team-high .579 SLG%) and she enters Friday with a five-game hitting streak. Baglino leads the squad with three RBI (.429 avg) and Whalen impressed batting .333 with two RBI and two doubles in her debut weekend. On the mound, Victoria Mahoney has logged a team-high 18.2 innings striking out 13 (1-1 record), while Madison Erhardt sits at 1-1 as well and tops the Bears with a 4.20 ERA.
• John Jay returns their top two hitters from 2017 as far as average in senior Lisa Pellegrino (.390) and sophomore Jessica Barbaria (.384). Pellegrino ranked first in RBI (19) and second was 1B/OF Star Manzueta (18), who also returns as a junior. Pellegrino did it all for the Bloodhounds, as she was their top pitcher from a year ago going 3-10 in 18 appearances 42 strikeouts and an 8.54 ERA.

History

• SJC is 8-6-1 all-time against John Jay with their last doubleheader resulting in two Bloodhound victories (Apr. 12, 2015).

Saturday, Mar. 17 at 12 & 2 p.m.
vs. New Jersey City

Opponent's Info: Schedule | Roster | Stats
Coverage: Live Stats: Game 1, Game 2

Previously

• The Gothic Knights opened 2018 at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic in Southwest Florida, accumulating a 3-5 record in eight non-conference games. Their offense took a bit to get going as they lost their first four games of the Classic scoring just four runs total. They would turn things around though, routing Anna Maria in game five (14-1) and evoking the eight-run rule after five innings. After a game six loss, NJCU won their final two games of the trip against Pittsburgh-Bradford (6-0) and Rivier (10-2 - 5 inn.). Last season the Gothic Knights struggled, ending with an 11-25 record 1-17 mark in league play.

Keys to the Contest

• Julie Squeo has been an offensive force for NJCU thus far, leading them with a .440 average (.520 SLG%, .481 OBP), seven RBI, 11 hits, and three steals in three attempts. Kayla Clarke (.333) and Gianna Benacquista (.292) have knocked three doubles apiece and the lineup as a whole is hitting .342 on the season. Christina Mezey has been the only Gothic Knight to take the circle so far, obviously sitting at 3-5, totaling 49 IP (33 K), a 4.57 ERA, and a .258 batting average against.

History

• Saturday is the first-ever meeting between the two programs.