Home Run Duo Powers Softball Past Molloy; 3-2, 4-3
C.W. Post improves to 17-5 overall and 5-1 in conference play while Molloy slips to 17-7 overall and 4-2 in the ECC.
Bright led the Pioneer offense in both games, combining to go 3-for-6 at the plate with four RBI and two runs scored.
Molloy went ahead 1-0 in the first game after a double down the left field line from first baseman Carla Campagna scored Jeana Frey from second.
The Pioneers matched the run in the bottom half of the fourth when freshman Hagenah launched a towering home run over the fence in right center.
The game was pushed to extra innings with the scored tied at one. The Lions went ahead in the top of the ninth when the designated player, Josette Cavallaro, doubled to left field to score Haley Calderwood, who had reached base on an outfield error.
With a one-run deficit heading into the bottom of the ninth, the Pioneers had the top of their lineup to leadoff. Freshman leftfielder Carly Chamberlain (Nesco, N.J.) led off with a single back to the pitcher. Sophomore first baseman Kaci Hopkins (New Egypt, N.J.) moved her over to second with a sacrifice bunt. Junior centerfielder Kerry Fisher (Barto, Pa.) reached on a single to centerfield and Chamberlain advanced to third. Hagenah then reached with a walk. With two on, Bright came to the plate and drove in the winning runs with a single up the middle to end the game.
Senior Sarah Kiser (Arnold, Md.) went the distance to earn the win and allowed two runs on five hits while striking out 10 batters.
Megan Butterworth took the loss, allowing three earned runs on seven hits and a walk with 14 strikeouts.
In the second game, Bright put the Pioneers ahead, 2-0, when she blasted a two-run opposite field shot to right center.
The Lions got one run back in the top half of the fifth when left fielder Jeana Frey doubled to right field to score Alexandra Sydor, who reached on an infield fielding error, from second.
C.W. Post added two more in the bottom of the fifth with RBI singles from sophomore shortstop Nicole Fierro (East Hampton, N.Y.) and junior designated player Kristen Morcone (Milford, N.Y.).
Molloy refused to go down without a fight and scored two to cut the lead to 4-3 in the sixth after Cavallaro swatted out a two-run blast to right field.
But that was all the runs either team would score in the game. The Lions threatened in the seventh with two runners on but Cavallaro reached on a fielder's choice Hagenah fielded the ball to tag the lead runner out at third for the final out.
Bright finished the game going 1-for-2 at the plate with two RBI and two runs scored. Hagen was 1-for-1 with two runs scored.
Senior Christina Berardi (Raynham, Mass.) earned her ninth win of the season. She scattered nine hits over seven innings and allowed one earned run while striking out eight.
Kelley Janson was handed the loss after allowing four earned runs on seven hits and four walks with four strikeouts. Allison Ryan pitched the sixth inning and recorded a strikeout.
C.W. Post returns to action on Tuesday, April 5 when it hosts Mercy College at 3 p.m.