UTICA, N.Y. -- The St. John Fisher University softball team was on the road on Sunday for a doubleheader against conference foe, Utica University. The Cardinals had quality pitching performances that helped keep the Pioneers from putting together much offensively and it led to two important wins as we head down the stretch of the season. The results moved Fisher to 16-10 on the year and 5-3 in Empire 8 play. The results has them sitting in second place in the conference standings.
 
Game One: Cardinals 5 – Pioneers 2
 
Despite falling behind 1-0 after the first inning, the Cardinals quickly answered with four runs of their own in the top of the second. Allie Klonowski get it started with a single and was brought home by Maddie Donlin thanks to a double to right center field. Donlin scored a run herself on an error by the Pioneers. Back-to-back singles by Madi Rose and Tori LoPresto leaded the bases for Clare Boegel, and she took advantage by hitting a two RBI single, giving the team a 4-1 advantage.
 
It proved to be enough for Jess Patterson, as the starting pitcher recorded a complete game, going the full 7.0 innings, giving up two runs, one earned, on six hits, two walks and struck out 13 batters. Rose, Boegel and Donlin all had two hits.
 
Game Two: Cardinals 6 – Pioneers 1
 
The Cardinals pitching once again held Utica in check, allowing just one run that came in the final frame. The offense came alive in the middle innings thanks to hits by DeMartino and Rose that scored run and had the team up 2-0 after four innings. After adding a run in the sixth, the Cardinals were able to add three more for insurance in the top of the seventh. After DeMartino and Cournoyer singled to reach base, Donlin hit a triple that scored them both. Evanetski followed with an RBI single and Fisher took a 6-0 lead into the final frame.
 
Ainsley Evanetski was impressive in her start, going the full 7.0 innings and allowing just one run on three hits, while striking out four. Rose collected three hits on the day, and DeMartino, Cournoyer and Donlin each had a pair of knocks to help the offense.
 
Up next for Fisher is a non-conference double-header against SUNY Fredonia. The Blue Devils will come to town and first pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.
 
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