PITTSFORD, NY – The St. John Fisher University women's softball team (12-8, 1-1 Empire 8) were silenced in the first game of a doubleheader before using an nine hit attack in game two to split a doubleheader against the Medaille University Mavericks (6-8, 1-1 Empire 8). The split comes in the home opener for the Cardinals, who will head back on the road before returning home for a mid-week matchup against SUNY Fredonia (1-11) on April 18.

Mavericks 3, Cardinals 0

Following a leadoff single in the top of the first, Cardinals starter Jess Patterson escaped the inning by forcing a groundout before striking out back-to-back Mavericks. 
In the bottom of the first, Madi Rose singled down the third base line, her third straight game leading off with a hit. The hit was spoiled, as the Cardinals were not able to bring her home, keeping the game scoreless after one inning of play. 

Amalia DeMartino singled to the shortstop to start the bottom of the second, which was followed by a single up the middle from Kelly Cournoyer. With two on and nobody out, the next batter, Emma MacLachlan worked a walk to load the bases. But two groundouts and a line out ended the Cardinals opportunity, keeping the score deadlocked at 0-0.

The Mavericks scored the first two runs of the game in the top of the fourth on a two-run home run to center. The lead extended to three in the top of the fifth, when a wild pitch brought in another run for the Mavericks.

Looking to respond, Maddie Donlin produced a single and stolen base to open the bottom of the fifth and slid over to third following a single from Cassidy Evanteski. Again, the bats would go silent in a pivotal opportunity, stranding both runners.

The Mavericks were able to hold off the Cardinals in the final two frames to take game one by a 3-0 margin. Fisher was held to just five hits in the loss.

Patterson went the distance in the loss, allowing seven hits and three runs while walking five and striking out eight. With the loss, Patterson moves to a 4-4 record this season. 

Cardinals 8, Mavericks 0 (final in 5)

Continuing her impeccable way to reach base to open contests, Rose walked to open the bottom of the first, with the Cardinals looking to rebound from the game one loss. Following a groundout to third, Rose was on third with just one out, for Allie Klonowski. Klonowski grounded out to plate Rose, giving the Cardinals the early 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the third, the Cardinals threatened again, using a ground ball and hit by pitch to spark the rally. Following a fly out, another single up the middle loaded the bases with two outs. The Cardinals cashed in with a two-run double from DeMartino. Cournoyer traded places with the sophomore following a two-run double of her own to move the advantage to 5-0. 

The lead stretched out to seven in the fourth before an eighth run of the day scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the fifth.

Sophomore Cassidy Ormond toed the slab for the Cardinals in game two, in her fifth start of the season. Ormond commanded the strike zone, striking out six across 5.0 innings pitched, scattering just three hits.

The Cardinals will head to Alfred University for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, before traveling to Troy for two games at Russell Sage College on Saturday, April 15. First pitch for game one is set for 3:30 p.m.

Stay up-to-date with the latest news, scores, highlights and more by downloading the official mobile app for Fisher Athletics. Just search SJF Athletics in the App Store or on Google Play and download today for free. Follow the Cardinals on social media for more! Twitter | Instagram