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Box Score 2 FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The Fairfield University softball team earned a sweep against Saint Peter's University this afternoon, bringing the Stags even in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play. The team opened the day with an 8-0 five-inning victory in game one and followed up with a 6-0 decision in game two, bringing Fairfield's MAAC record to 7-7.
The Stags scored two runs in four of the five innings that they batted which allowed the team to end the first game early. A pair of back-to-back doubles were responsible for Fairfield's first two runs as
Lacey Olaff drilled a double to right-center field that brought home
Alisha Marshall with the game's first run.
Lauryn Rhinehart stepped into the batter's box next and sent the ball over the center fielder's head for another two-bagger that allowed Olaff to double the lead at 2-0 after one inning.
The lead went to 4-0 in the second inning, a rally that started when
Cynthia Meringer knocked the ball over the right fielder's glove which resulted in a lead-off triple.
Sam Merino completed the scoring chance with her ground out to second base to bring the score to 3-0.
Drew Westford started things back up when she drew a walk and advanced to second after Marshall's sacrifice bunt.
Amanda Ulzheimer sent the ball back up the middle to chase Westford across home plate, sending pitcher Rhinehart back to the pitching circle with a 4-0 advantage.
After coming up scoreless in the third inning, Fairfield opened the fourth frame with a walk to Marshall and an infield single by Ulzheimer.
Mikayla Rubin sacrificed both runner ahead one base, setting up a sacrifice fly for Olaff to make the score 5-0. Rhinehart capped the inning with a single which brought home Ulzheimer, adding the sixth run to the Stags side of the scoreboard.
The game ended in Fairfield's side of the fifth inning when Marshall sent a pitch into center field that allowed
Kaleigh MacDonald and Westford to score, both of whom singled earlier in the inning. Rhinehart earned her seventh win of the season by scattering three hits and striking out five in her complete game shutout.
The second game set up the Stags for a sweep when they scored three runs in the third inning and added three more runs in the sixth frame to coast to a 6-0 win. In the third inning, Fairfield stroked twp doubles and two singles to comprise a three-run rally that put the team in front for good.
Madison Robicheau began things with a single to right field and came around the bases when Ulzheimer dropped a double down the left field line to score the game's first run. She made it 2-0 off Olaff's opposite-field single, setting up Rhinehart's double to center field which closed the scoring.
The Stags added three more runs in the sixth inning courtesy of a three-run homer from
Sam Merino, a drive that was established with walks to
Maria Telle and Meringer.
Katie Kudlacik (3 IP), Rhinehart (2 IP), and Olaff (2 IP) made the most of the offensive support, combining a seven-hit shutout.
Fairfield returns to the diamond on Thursday afternoon when it hosts Sacred Heart University at 3:30 pm.
