OLEAN, N.Y. — George Mason softball (18-17, 6-8 A-10) opened Friday's doubleheader with a decisive 6–0 shutout victory over St. Bonaventure (5-30, 4-7 A-10) at Joyce Field, followed by a 6–2 win in the second game. These victories not only showcased the Patriots' offensive prowess but also their pitching strength, marking the first two games in a three-game Atlantic 10 Conference series.
The Patriots collected a total of 19 hits over the two games against the Bonnies, maintaining their streak of scoring at least 6 runs and achieving at least 9 hits in three straight games, clinching the series with the doubleheader sweep.
GAME ONE: St. Bonaventure vs. George Mason, W 6-0
In the opening game, George Mason's offense was highlighted by a series of key plays. In the second inning, Elyssa DeRosa reached first on a fielding error, setting the stage for Kamryn Inman's double down the left field line, driving in DeRosa. Inman then scored on a single by Madi Sobota, bringing the score to 2–0. The momentum continued in the third inning when Tess Altevers Harris doubled to center field, followed by Alyssa Hopkins' double, bringing Altevers Harris home. Inman contributed again with a single, allowing Hopkins to score, increasing the lead to 4–0.
In the seventh inning, Hopkins doubled to right-center, and pinch runner Payton Auerbach advanced to third on a wild pitch before stealing home, as the Bonnies' infield had an unsuccessful attempt to catch Kaitlyn Bronowicz stealing second. Bronowicz then scored on a similar play, stealing home just before DeRosa was tagged out in a rundown, finalizing the score at 6–0. George Mason's defense held strong throughout, preventing St. Bonaventure from scoring and securing a shutout victory.
Abbey Lane delivered a standout performance for the Patriots in the opener, pitching 6 innings without allowing an earned run, striking out four batters, and giving up only four hits while maintaining a WHIP of 0.67. Alyssa Rangel provided strong relief in the final inning, striking out one and not allowing any hits. Tess Altevers Harris finished with two hits, including a triple and a double, while Alyssa Hopkins added two doubles, driving in one run and scoring once. Kamryn Inman contributed with two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs.
GAME TWO: St. Bonaventure vs. George Mason, W 6-2
In the second game, the offensive momentum continued as George Mason took an early lead. In the first inning, Logan Pickford tripled to right center after swinging on the first pitch of the game. Maddie Lemasters followed with a double down the left-field line, scoring Pickford for a 1–0 lead. Pickford tripled again in the third inning, leading to another run when Lemasters hit a sacrifice fly, extending the lead to 2–0. However, St. Bonaventure responded in the sixth inning with two unearned runs due to defensive errors by the Patriots, tying the game at 2–2.
The seventh inning proved pivotal as George Mason rallied for four runs. Madi Sobota singled and later scored on Pickford's single to left center. Lemasters hit a triple down the left-field line, driving in two more runs, achieving a season-high of four runs batted in. Tess Altevers Harris capped the scoring with an RBI single. The game concluded with George Mason securing a 6–2 victory.
Bri Lencz was instrumental in the second game, pitching 6 innings and allowing no earned runs while striking out two batters. Lencz maintained control throughout, surrendering only three hits and one walk, also resulting in a WHIP of 0.67. Alyssa Rangel closed out the game with a solid inning of relief, striking out two and allowing one hit. Logan Pickford had an impressive performance, scoring three runs and collecting three hits, including two triples. Maddie Lemasters drove in four runs with two hits, including a double and a triple. Kamryn Inman added two hits and successfully stole two bases, continuing her streak of recording at least two hits in consecutive games.
The series finale against St. Bonaventure will be on Saturday, April 4, at noon at Joyce Field. The game will be broadcast on the Bonnies Online Network and can be followed on the live stats website.
