Softball Takes Doubleheader from UMass

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2  | Photo Gallery (Game 1) | Photo Gallery (Game 2) | Photo Gallery (Senior Day)

The Rams scored 12 runs over two big innings on Saturday afternoon, taking both games of a doubleheader against UMass and extending their winning streak to 11 games on Senior Day in the Bronx.
 
With the pair of victories, Fordham improved its conference record to 9-1, the best mark in the A-10.  The Rams have also won 17 of their last 18. 
 
Game One­­
In a team sport like softball, it's hard to place a win or loss squarely on the shoulders of just one player.  On Saturday afternoon, Michele Daubman proved that it's still possible, surrendering no earned runs in seven innings on the bump and going 2-3 with a grand slam, leading Fordham to a 7-2 victory over UMass.
 
All seven of Fordham's runs came in the third inning, when the Rams capitalized on a UMass breakdown in the circle.  Caroline Raymond surrendered hits to Cora Ianiro, Sydney Canessa and Amy Van Hoven to start the frame, giving the Rams bases loaded and no outs.  Fordham hitters then proceeded to draw three consecutive walks, giving Fordham an early lead.   UMass then went to the bullpen, calling on Tara Klee to work out of the jam.  Instead, Daubman took the first pitch she saw and gave it a drive to right center, clearing the base paths with a grand slam.   
 
Daubman was also magnificent in the circle, as the North Massapequa, N.Y., native surrendered only five hits and no earned runs to pick up her 13^th win of the year.

Senior Christina Siesta also picked up a hit in game one of the doubleheader.
 
Game Two
 
After jumping out to an early lead and cruising to victory in game number one on Saturday, the Rams used some late inning magic in the latter half of the twin bill, coming from behind to down UMass 6-2 at Bahoshy Field.
 
Van Hoven went 2-3 on the game, while Elise Fortier knocked her 12^th goner of the year, placing her in a tie for second place with Gabby Luety on the school's career home run list.  Luety also picked up an RBI in game two, while Paige Ortiz added a pair. 
 
The Rams failed to get anything going of offense over the first few innings and UMass struck first with a two –run homer from Jena Cozza in the third.
 
The Rams finally got on the board in the bottom of the fourth, as Fortier hit a lined shot to left center that easily cleared the wall and brought the Rams within one, 2-1.
 
The Minutewomen's advantage remained at one run for the next couple of innings before the Rams went off in the bottom of the sixth.  With one out, Van Hoven reached base on a bunt single before Fortier drew a walk.  The pair each advanced a base on a wild pitch and Kayla Lombardo tied up the score with a grounder to third, bringing Van Hoven home and advancing Fortier.  Then, Luety knocked in Fortier with a RBI single to give the Rams the lead before Ortiz ripped a double down the left field line a few batters later, scoring a pair and giving the Rams a 5-2 lead.  After pinch running for Ortiz, Cailin Winokur came home following an error by the UMass second baseman, cementing the Fordham advantage at 6-2.
 
Fordham has one more regular season doubleheader remaining at Bahoshy Field, as they host the St. Bonaventure Bonnies on Tuesday beginning at 3:00 PM.