Siena Softball (22-13, 13-6) was edged in a pair of tightly contested matchups on the road, dropping both ends of a doubleheader to Fairfield by scores of 2-0 and 2-1 in 11 innings.
Fairfield 2, Siena 0
A pitcher's duel unfolded in the opener, but Siena couldn't find the timely hit to break through.
Gracie Goewey turned in a strong complete-game performance, striking out seven over six innings while allowing just three hits and two earned runs. Despite navigating four walks and a hit batter, she limited the damage and kept Siena within striking distance throughout.
Fairfield capitalized early, scoring in each of the first two innings. Anna Paravati delivered an RBI single in the first to open the scoring, and the Stags added what proved to be the final run in the second, using a hit-by-pitch, wild pitch, and a Sarah Bielski RBI single to make it 2-0.
From there, Goewey settled in, and Siena's defense held Fairfield scoreless over the final four frames. The offense, however, was unable to respond, managing just one hit in the game.
The Saints' best opportunity came in the sixth inning when
Chloe Cummings singled and both
Lauren Melton and
Sarah Miller reached base, but the rally stalled. Siena threatened again in the seventh after a
Cali DeLawder walk, but Fairfield closed the door to secure the shutout.
Fairfield 2, Siena 1 (11)
The nightcap evolved into a marathon, with both teams trading zeroes deep into extra innings before Fairfield walked it off in the 11th.
Siena's pitching staff was again outstanding, combining for 11 strikeouts.
Violet Marta started and went 6.1 innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out seven. Goewey was dominant in relief, tossing 4.1 innings with four strikeouts and allowing just one earned run on three hits to keep the Saints in the game.
Siena struck first in the second inning when
Ella Milante lined an RBI single to left, giving the Saints a 1-0 lead. Fairfield answered immediately in the bottom half, as Sarah Bielski drove in Quinn McGonigle to even the score at 1-1.
From there, both teams had chances but couldn't deliver the go-ahead run, as pitching and defense controlled the pace through regulation and into extras.
In the bottom of the 11th, Fairfield finally broke through. McGonigle reached and came around to score on Bielski's second RBI single of the game, sealing a 2-1 walk-off victory for the Stags.
Siena moves to 22-13 overall and 13-6 in MAAC play, while Fairfield improves to 21-20 (13-5). The Saints will look to bounce back at home against Mount St. Mary's University on Tuesday, Apr. 21 at Siena Softball Field.
