LOUDONVILLE, NY — Behind a near-perfect performance from
Gracie Goewey in game one, Siena Softball (23-14, 14-7 MAAC) split a doubleheader against Mount St. Mary's (16-26, 11-10 MAAC) at Siena Softball Field, earning a 3-0 shutout victory before falling 5-0 in the second game.
Siena 3, Mount St. Mary's 0
Goewey delivered one of the most commanding performances of the season, coming within two outs of perfection in a masterclass inside the circle. The sophomore right-hander retired the first 19 batters she faced and carried a perfect game into the seventh inning with one out before surrendering the Mountaineers' lone hit of the afternoon. She ultimately finished with a one-hit shutout, striking out 10 without issuing a walk in a hyper-efficient 84-pitch effort, 59 of which went for strikes.
Goewey wasn't finished there. She provided all the offense Siena would need in the bottom of the first, crushing a three-run home run to plate
Carlie Venables and
Emma Petersen. That early swing proved decisive, as the Saints never looked back.
Siena's defense backed the dominant pitching with a clean, error-free effort, while Petersen added a double and a run scored. Venables reached base twice via walks and crossed the plate once as part of the decisive first-inning rally.
Behind Goewey's near-perfect outing and complete command from start to finish, Siena secured a crisp 3-0 victory.
Mount St. Mary's 5, Siena 0
The momentum shifted in the nightcap, as Mount St. Mary's struck early and never relinquished control. Aver Dinges launched a three-run homer in the first inning to give the Mountaineers an immediate advantage, and Siena was unable to recover offensively.
The Saints were limited to four hits in the game and could not generate sustained pressure at the plate. Mount St. Mary's added two insurance runs in the sixth to extend the margin.
Goewey returned to the circle and battled through 5.1 innings, recording four strikeouts, while
Violet Marta provided a bright spot out of the bullpen. Marta was efficient in relief, tossing 1.2 scoreless innings and allowing just one hit on 14 pitches.
Siena will return to action on Saturday, Apr. 25, hosting Merrimack for a doubleheader beginning at noon at Siena Softball Field.