Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Philadelphia, Pa. – (3/29/2017) – In a pair of low-scoring affairs, the Georgian Court University softball team used solid defense and timely offense to secure two Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) victories over Chestnut Hill College. The Lions took game one by a 3-0 margin before taking game two of the double-dip, 3-1, at the CHC Softball field.
 
Game one began slowly, with neither team threatening in the opening two frames. Georgian Court University (5-17, 4-4 CACC) jumped on the board in the top of the third inning when freshman designated player Lindsey Fishbach (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) smacked an RBI single through the defense, scoring junior right fielder Cassandra Varvaro (Toms River, N.J.) from second base.
 
Following a scoreless fourth for both squads, the Lions would add two insurance runs in the top of the fifth to extend their lead to three, 3-0. With sophomore catcher Samantha Reilly (Toms River, N.J.) reaching first on an error to open the inning, the table was set for the visitors to extend their lead. Senior first baseman Kelly Hardiman (Howell, N.J.) provided the power as the very next batter, blasting a two-run homerun to give the visitors the 3-0 lead. The three runs would prove more than enough, as Georgian Court University sophomore pitcher Jessica O'Neil (Levittown, Pa.) shut the door on Chestnut Hill College (3-13, 1-3 CACC), going 7.0 innings, allowing just two hits while striking out five in the victory (3-7).
 
The Griffins were led in game one by senior pitcher Briannen Holloway (Corona, Calif.) (2-7) who went 5.2 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits while striking out five. Sophomore left fielder Marissa Maioran (Beachwood, N.J.) and senior center fielder Ashleigh Sharp (Dresher, Pa.) each recorded one hit in the loss.
 
Game two saw a similar defensive battle, with neither team able to break through in the opening stanza. The Lions struck first, with freshman left fielder Noel Arellano (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) driving in Reilly with a double down the left field line.
 
The Scarlet and Gold would answer in the home half of the third, with senior shortstop Corie Apodaca (Ontario, Calif.) recording an RBI single to right center field. The run was set-up by sophomore right fielder Ariel Magee (North Cape May, N.J.) who opened the inning with a six-pitch at-bat that ended with her ripping a double to center field. Apodaca followed that with her RBI single, but the Griffins would be stymied the remained of the way, with Lions freshman relief pitcher Taylor Baloga (Dupont, Pa.) shutting the door on the hosts. Georgian Court University looked poised to break open the contest in the top of the fourth, with Reilly opening the frame with a triple. Holloway proved up to the task, working around the leadoff triple to record three-straight outs to keep the game knotted at 1-1.
 
Much like game one, the Lions used timely power in their lineup to crack open a close game. With the game knotted at 1-1, Reilly continued her exceptional day by blasting a two-run homerun to give the visitors a 3-1 lead. That would be all the offense for the day, as both Baloga, and Chestnut Hill College sophomore reliever Nichole Eberhard (Philadelphia, Pa.) wouldn't allow a run the rest of the day, earning the visitors the 3-1 game two victory and double header sweep.
 
Reilly led the Lions' attack on the afternoon, going a combined 4-for-7, with three runs scored and two RBI. Hardiman finished the afternoon with a pair of RBI and one run scored. Baloga (1-6), went 5.0 innings in game two, allowing just two hits while striking out three in the victory.
 
Magee led the Griffins' offense, going 3-for-4 in game two, scoring one run. Holloway pitched 5.1 solid innings, allowing just three runs before giving way to Eberhard to finish the game with 1.2 innings pitched, allowing just a pair of hits.
 
The Chestnut Hill College softball team will resume action tomorrow, March 30, when they host Mercy College for a non-conference doubleheader. Opening pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at the Chestnut Hill College Softball Field.