Softball Looks to Snap Losing Streak Hosting SJC Long Island

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Looking to snap an eight-game losing streak, the St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn) softball team readies for four games in the next three days, beginning with a home doubleheader against sibling rival SJC Long Island on Saturday. From there, the Bears head to the Bronx for a non-conference twin-bill at Lehman College on Monday.

Saturday, Apr. 14 at 12 & 2 p.m.
vs. SJC Long Island

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

Previously

• The Bears have struggled as of late, with their last win coming back on March 24. Since then, they have lost eight-straight contests, including six league games, dropping their Skyline record to 1-7. The eighth-place Bears most recent games came last Sunday (Apr. 8) as they dropped both ends of a doubleheader to Old Westbury, despite four hits and two runs on the day from Victoria Mahoney (Allenwood, N.J./Saint John Vianney).
• On the contrary, SJC Long Island (8-6, 4-0 Skyline) enters play with a four-game winning streak, sweeping their last two Skyline doubleheaders. Last Saturday (Apr. 7), the Golden Eagles hosted Sarah Lawrence and took two low-scoring affairs with final scores of 3-2 and 5-0. At the plate, Lyndsay Smocer notched three hits and two RBI on the day, while pitcher Ashley Blydenburgh tossed a complete-game shutout in game two (7 H, 7 K).

Keys to the Contest

• Brooklyn's biggest offensive threat is third-baseman Amber Wainwright (Taunton, Mass./Taunton) and her team-leading .451 batting average. That mark is good for sixth in the Skyline and her team-high 23 hits currently rank fourth. Brianna Baglino (Howard Beach, N.Y./St. Francis Prep) has been a force at the dish as well, sitting second on the squad in hits (16) and batting average (.340). Mahoney has shined in the circle too, coming into the weekend tied for third in the conference in strikeouts (44) on top of her team-best 3.94 ERA.
• The Golden Eagles' pitching staff has been in top form all of 2018 as they currently lead the Skyline in ERA. In fact, their 2.53 team ERA is the only mark below 3.00 in the entire conference. All three of their hurlers are seniors, and Theresa Cardello has been the standout leading them in wins (tied, 4), ERA (1.59), and strikeouts (45). SJCLI's .322 team batting average is also near the top of the league, ranking third. Offensively they're led by senior Kristen Arbiter, who sits at second in the Skyline in batting (tied, .500), hits (tied, 24), home runs (tied, 2), and slugging (.896).

History

• Long Island leads the all-time series 13-5 and has won nine-straight.

Monday, Apr. 16 at 5 & 7 p.m.
at Lehman

Opponent's Info: Roster | Schedule | Stats
Coverage: Video | Live Stats

Previously

• Lehman enters the weekend at 6-21 (2-4 CUNYAC) and, just like the Bears, are looking to snap a losing streak (six games), first on Saturday (Apr. 14) at Brooklyn College and then on Monday against SJC. Most recently, the Lightning took on borough rivals Mount Saint Vincent (Apr. 12), dropping 8-0 and 7-4 decisions. Their last win came on April 7 in a twin-bill sweep of York (N.Y.) which snapped a previous eight-game skid.

Keys to the Contest

• Monday may be a chance for the Bears' offense to gain a bit of momentum as Lehman currently boasts a team ERA of 7.35. Additionally, opponents have pitched to a 3.47 ERA against them. Their main arm is Diamond Villegas, whose 2-10 record is bolstered by 51 strikeouts in 62.2 innings pitched. The Lightning's lineup is top heavy, as Villegas (.386) and Maranda Diaz (.424) are the only two hitters with averages above .300. Therefore, Monday's set will be an opportunity for two sputtering teams to gain some confidence down the stretch of the season.

History

• The Bears are 26-0 all-time against Lehman.