Softball Concludes Day One of Gaucho Classic

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 SANTA BARBARA, CA – The Saint Peter's University softball team hit the diamond for its first outing of 2020 on Saturday. The Peacocks dropped their first two games of the Gaucho Classic to host UC Santa Barbara via a 4-1 decision, and to Portland State by a score of 6-2.
 
Against the Gauchos:

• Junior Taylor Lewis got the starting nod on the mound against UCSB, pitching for three innings before being relieved by Sydney Senerchia. The sophomore would pitch for the fourth and fifth innings, surrendering just one run, while freshman Sophie Wilson came on to close out the game.
• Saint Peter's experienced some issues at the plate in their first tilt on Saturday, but were patient as three Peacocks held their ground and earned a walk in the game.
• As the Peacocks trailed 4-0 in the sixth inning, freshman Courtney Fraher recorded her first hit and RBI of her collegiate career, sending a shot up the middle while senior Georgia Verrastro came in from third base to put Saint Peter's on the board. 

Against the Vikings:

• Freshman Kristen Brennan earned her first collegiate start against Portland State, throwing for the first three innings before classmate Taylor Rondon took over on the hill.
• Saint Peter's fell behind early against Portland State on Saturday night, as the Vikings took a 6-0 lead heading into the fourth inning.
• The Peacocks would not give up, though, as freshman Cara McNulty reached home in the fourth inning, capitalizing on a Vikings error following the hit from senior Alina Guevara. 
• In the following inning, McNulty's classmate, Bailey Hartman, would also find home plate following a double into left field by junior Alyssa Adams.

Inside the Numbers:

• Adams was the lone Peacock with a multiple-hit performance on Saturday, going 2-for-3 from the plate against Portland State. 
• The Peacocks improved dramatically in the batter's box in game two, recording six hits as a team against the Vikings compared to one in their game against UCSB.
• Rondon finished the final three innings against Portland State without relinquishing a single run and allowing only three hits, while recording two strikeouts.

Coach's Quote - Chris Stelma:

• "We didn't get the result we were hoping for, but it was a good first day out. We got the chance to play some good competition to open up."
• "We had three Freshman do a good job for us in the circle and we made some real solid plays defensively."
• "Our hitting came around in game two as well. We are looking forward to getting back out there tomorrow."

Up Next:

• The Peacocks will conclude the Gaucho Classic tomorrow, Sunday, March 1 with a contest against Bradley at 12 p.m., followed by a rematch with tournament host UCSB at 4:30 p.m.