Morristown, NJ - The John Jay softball team split a non-conference doubleheader against Saint Elizabeth on Thursday afternoon, earning a 9-5 comeback victory in game one before dropping the nightcap, 8-0, in five innings. The Bloodhounds move to 6-12 on the season, while the Eagles finish the day at 10-8.
Game 1: John Jay 9, Saint Elizabeth 5
John Jay showcased its offensive firepower and resilience in the opener, overcoming an early deficit with a decisive fourth inning to secure a 9-5 victory.The Bloodhounds struck first in the opening frame, as
Kendal Bryant delivered a two-run triple to right field, plating
Alyssa Cadolino and
Kayla Sauers. The Eagles answered immediately with a two-run home run from Josilynn Garcia to tie the game at 2-2.
In the third inning, Bryant continued her standout performance, ripping a two-run double to regain a 4-2 advantage. However, Garcia struck again in the bottom half with a three-run homer, putting the Eagles in front, 5-4.
John Jay responded with its most impactful inning of the day in the fourth. After
Sidney Bankston reached and advanced into scoring position,
Lindsay Ogden tied the game with an RBI single. The Bloodhounds capitalized on defensive miscues and timely hitting, highlighted by a two-run single from Sauers and an RBI groundout by Cadolino, to score four runs and take an 8-5 lead.
Ogden controlled the game from there in the circle, tossing a complete game while allowing five runs on eight hits and striking out four. John Jay added an insurance run in the seventh, taking advantage of another Saint Elizabeth error following a sacrifice bunt.
Offensively, Bryant led the way with a 3-for-4 performance and four RBIs, while Sauers went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. The Bloodhounds totaled 14 hits in the victory.
For Saint Elizabeth, Garcia accounted for all five runs with two home runs and five RBIs.
Game 2: Saint Elizabeth 8, John Jay 0 (5 innings)
In the nightcap, the Eagles used an early offensive surge and dominant pitching to secure an 8-0 run-rule victory. SEU opened the scoring in the first inning on an RBI single from Kara Reyes before breaking the game open in the second. A two-run single from Isabella Hanos and a two-run double from Garcia highlighted a four-run frame that pushed the lead to 5-0.
John Jay managed two hits—singles from Cadolino and Bryant—while striking out four times. The Eagles starter Jocelyn Koo threw four shutout innings without issuing a walk. The Eagles added three more runs in the fourth inning behind an RBI single from Garcia and a two-run double from Reyes, extending the lead to 8-0.
Adrianna Barragan was charged with the loss after allowing five runs in 1.2 innings, while
Natalie Graham provided relief over the final 2.1 innings.
Hanos, Reyes, and Garcia each recorded multi-hit performances for St. Elizabeth, combining for six RBIs, while Isabell Edwards reached base three times and scored three runs.
John Jay will host Stevens on Monday, March 30 at Cougar Softball Field on the campus of Kean University in Union, NJ. First pitch is slated for 4:00 p.m.
