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Siena Softball opened 2017 MAAC conference play on Sunday in Poughkeepsie, New York against the Marist Red Foxes. The Saints defeated preseason favorite and defending champion Marist 3-1 in the first game before being blanked 10-0 in five innings in game two. Junior pitcher Lauren Butts recorded a two-hit complete game for the win in game one. Jess Vollmer had two hits for Siena.

Game One: Siena 3, Marist 1

Siena (4-19, 1-1) started the conference season off strong in game one against the Red Foxes (16-11, 1-1). Junior outfielder Brooke Taylor hit a leadoff double in the top of the first before coming around to score on an RBI single by Madysen Cossack to give the Saints a 1-0 lead. Siena would never trail in the contest.

The Saints would add two insurance runs in the top of the sixth on two hits and one error to take the game one win 3-1. Freshman catcher Amanda Dodson and sophomore outfielder Jess Vollmer each recorded singles in the inning.

Butts had a very strong outing on the mound, allowing just two hits and one unearned run, coming in the sixth inning. The junior struck out five batters in the complete game effort to pick up her third victory this season.

Game Two: Marist 10, Siena 0 (5)

Siena was bested 10-0 in five innings in the second game of the doubleheader. After a scoreless first, the Red Foxes exploded for five runs in the second, which would be more than enough for redshirt senior pitcher Jessica Van Alphen. Van Alphen limited the Saints to just three hits in the contest. Vollmer, Sarah Ho, and pinch hitter Jessika Jaime notched hits in the game for Siena. Butts was the losing pitcher, going two innings, allowing three earned runs, with one strikeout.

The Saints are scheduled to continue MAAC play on Monday, April 3 with a doubleheader at Saint Peter's. First pitch from Jersey City, New Jersey is scheduled for 12 p.m.