The St. John Fisher College softball team dropped a pair of games to Elmira College on Wednesday, 9-1 and 5-3.  The Cardinals move to 19-11 on the season and 4-6 in the Empire 8 standing, while Elmira improves to 10-12.
 
BOX SCORE - GAME 1

In the opening game of the twin billing, Fisher would strike first as Meghan Burns launched a long home run over the left field fence, but the run would be Fisher's last as Elmira held the Cardinals to only three hits all game.

The Soaring Eagles would take the lead for good in the home-half of the first inning after two runs on two hits including a solo shot to give the home team a 2-1 lead.
After a scoreless second inning, Elmira would add to its lead in the third inning in a big way.  The Soaring Eagles scored six runs of five hits with the big blow coming in the form of a grand slam that cleared the center field fence.

Elmira would score its final run in the fifth inning after a Fisher error allowed a runner to score on the play.

Halie Schoff (10-4) took the loss after two and a third innings of work.  The sophomore pitcher gave up eight runs on eight hits while striking out one.

BOX SCORE - GAME 2

Down 1-0 in the third inning of the finale, Jennifer Knaak tied the score on a long RBI-double to deep right-center field, scoring Burns who had singled to left earlier in the inning.

Knaak's bat would put Fisher up 3-1 in the top of the sixth on a towering two-run homerun to left field, but Elmira would score four runs on four hits in the bottom of the frame to hold a 5-3 advantage.

The Cardinals were able to bring the tying run to the plate after Olivia Fusilli drew a walk, but two pop outs would seal the win for the Soaring Eagles.

Burns had a strong game at the dish for Fisher, going 3-for-3 with two runs scored.  Lauren Wesolowski (4-5) was the losing pitcher after giving up four runs in an inning and a third of relief.  Megan Keib got the start for Fisher and gave up one run on four hits in four and a third innings, though she did not factor in the decision.

Fisher will look to keep its postseason hopes alive when it closes out its regular season beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday with a doubleheader against visiting Utica College.
 
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