The Quinnipiac softball team dropped the second game of its doubleheader against non-conference opponent Marist, falling 9-0. The Bobcats also lost the first game 13-9 as the Red Foxes swept the series. 

Marist struck early in the first inning, starting with back-to-back singles to put runners on first and second. A walk then loaded the bases, followed by another walk that brought in the first run of the game, which was unearned. 

Two batters later, Marist added to its lead with a single to shortstop, driving in two runs to make it 3-0 after the first inning. 

Both teams went scoreless over the next three innings until Marist broke through in the fifth, posting its best offensive frame of the game. The Red Foxes launched a three-run homer, with all three runs being unearned, before scoring again on a defensive miscue that allowed a runner to advance home. That extended Marist’s lead to 7-0. 

The Red Foxes tacked on two more runs to seal the victory. With the Bobcats trailing by eight or more runs, the game ended early due to the mercy rule. 

Natalia Apatiga, Madison Waltke, and Ella McGalliard each recorded a hit for Quinnipiac, with McGalliard also drawing the team’s only walk. 

Defensively, Jaclyn Gonzalez led the Bobcats with four assists, while Apatiga added two and Shannon Kendall contributed one. 

Kendall got the start in the circle for Quinnipiac, pitching one inning while allowing three hits and three runs against six batters. She took the loss. Gonzalez, who started the first game of the doubleheader, pitched five innings in relief, facing 23 batters and allowing eight hits and six runs. 

“They (Marist) played really clean defense, and we kind of didn’t in the first inning—I think that just carried over. But overall, I thought it was a really good day,” said Head Coach Hillary Smith. 

The Bobcats will travel to Niagara Falls for a three-game series against Niagara University, beginning with a doubleheader on Saturday at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., followed by a single game on Sunday at 12 p.m.