CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The George Mason softball team (8-4) split their first day of games at Virginia's Palmer Park Clash. They lost their first game to Saint Francis 1-0 in ten innings and beat Fairfield 8-7 in their second game.
MASON (7-4) vs. SAINT FRANCIS (6-7)
In Mason's first game that went to extra innings this season, the Red Flash and the Patriots were tangled in a pitchers' duel. Mason's
Aly Rayle pitched five scoreless innings, while
Carly Cooper also pitched five innings, only giving up the game's only run. Saint Francis' Grace Vesco pitched a complete game one-hitter, striking out 14 batters in total. The lone run was scored in the top of the 10th inning, when Red Flash freshman Madelyn Wilson drew a walk and advanced to third off a Sydney Baker Double. Savannah Nash then hit a single that drove Wilson home. In the bottom of the tenth inning, the Patriots were threatening with a
Logan Pickford walk and a steal. Unfortunately, the Patriots were not able to convert the late-game rally, as
Zoe Vozick grounded out to first base to end the first game.
MASON (8-4) vs. FAIRFIELD (3-3)
Mason would be able to close out their second game with a late-game rally. Picking it up in the seventh inning, where the Patriots were down 3-7,
Rachel Warrens drew a walk, which was followed by a
Marlaina Bozek single. With runners on first and second,
Haley Taormina walked on a 3-1 count, loading the bases. Bechtel drew a walk on a 3-1 count as well, driving the first run of the rally. After
Sydney Bales struck out for the inning's second out,
Sydney Blackwell drew a walk on a full count, driving in another run. With the score now 5-7,
Elyssa DeRosa hit a bases-clearing double, which gave the Patriots a late 8-7 lead. The Patriots were able to make quick work in the bottom of the seventh inning, as
Carly Cooper avenged her previous game with a pitched a 1-2-3 inning and ultimately the win. In total, she recorded the win with 3.2 innings of work, allowing only two hits and zero runs and earned runs.
UP NEXT
The Patriots will face off against Saint Francis again tomorrow at 10 a.m. They will then close out their weekend against a game with Virginia at 5:30. Information about how to watch the team can be found below:
Sun., March 5
vs. Saint Francis (Sat.) LIVESTATS
at Virginia LIVESTATS & LIVESTREAM
