CHARLESTON, SC – Siena Softball closed out its first weekend of 2024 competition with a back-and-forth battle down south on Sunday morning. The Saints (2-3) ultimately dropped a 4-3 decision to Saint Francis (PA) at the CSU Softball Complex in Charleston South Carolina.

After falling in their first matchup against the Red Flash since 2012 on Friday, the Saints played their opponents scoreless through four innings, with graduate student pitcher Nicole Patille tossing four strikeouts and allowing only a single hit over that time.

The designated visiting team, Saint Francis (PA) broke through with three innings in the top of the fifth via a sacrifice fly and an RBI double. Siena was taken to the brink, but responded with three runs of its own in the bottom of the sixth. Junior Emmalynn Skaff came home on a passed ball, while sophomore Emma Petersen launched a 2 RBI double to tie it up.

The Red Flash had the last laugh, however, with an RBI single in the top of the seventh, and held the Saints off the board for the one-run win. Siena had a runner on third with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but were denied the tie.

Siena will have next weekend off from competition before heading to Madeira Beach, Florida for seven non-league games at The Spring Games from February 22-25.