PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — George Mason softball (13–14, 3–5 A-10) dropped both games of a doubleheader against Saint Joseph's (12–13, 6–2 A-10) on Saturday, March 21, to begin a three-game series between the two Atlantic 10 teams. The Hawks edged the Patriots 5–4 in the opener before securing a 7–3 win in the second game to clinch the series.
The series finale is scheduled for Sunday, March 22 at 12 p.m at SJU Softball Field. Live stats will be available on the linked website, and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
GAME ONE: Saint Joseph's vs. George Mason (L, 5–4)
In the opener, George Mason jumped out to an early lead as Tess Altevers Harris launched a solo home run to left-center field in the first inning — her fifth of the season — to put the Patriots ahead 1–0.
Madi Sobota added to the offense in the third inning with a double to right-center and later scored on Elyssa DeRosa's double, extending the lead to 2–0. George Mason increased its advantage to 4–0 in the fifth inning, capitalizing on a bases-loaded error by Saint Joseph's. However, the Hawks responded in the sixth inning with a pair of home runs to tie the game at 4–4. Saint Joseph's completed the comeback in the seventh with a go-ahead RBI groundout to secure the 5–4 win.
Abbey Lane pitched 6.0 innings, tying her career high with seven strikeouts while recording her 100th career strikeout in the fourth inning. Harlowe Nigh entered in relief and was charged with the loss, moving to 1–2 on the season.
GAME TWO: Saint Joseph's vs. George Mason (L, 7–3)
In the second game, Saint Joseph's took control early with two runs in the first inning off a single by Hailey Peterson. The Hawks extended their lead to 5–0 by the third, aided by a throwing error that resulted in two unearned runs. Another fielding error in the fourth pushed the lead to 6–0.
George Mason broke through in the sixth inning when Meghan Gray singled to drive in Madeline Staats. Saint Joseph's answered with a triple by Sinkus to make it 7–1.
The Patriots showed late life as Tess Altevers Harris hit her second home run of the day — and sixth of the season — to left-center, matching her total from last year. Kamryn Inman followed with an RBI single to score Maddie Lemasters, but the comeback fell short as the Hawks secured a 7–3 victory.
Alyssa Rangel started in the circle, pitching 2.1 innings and allowing four earned runs on three hits with four walks. Haleigh Dellow provided solid relief, tossing 2.1 innings without allowing an earned run, while Harlowe Nigh closed the game with 1.0 inning of work.
The Patriots will conclude their trip to Philadelphia with the series finale on Sunday at 12 p.m. Live stats will be available online, and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
