LOUDONVILLE, NY — Siena Softball found itself in two tightly contested games but ultimately came up short in both ends of a doubleheader against Merrimack, falling 4–2 in extra innings in the opener before dropping a 9–7 decision in game two at Siena Softball Field.
 
Merrimack 4, Siena 2 (8)
In the first game, the Saints were locked in a pitcher's duel for much of the afternoon behind another strong outing from Gracie Goewey. The junior went the distance, striking out 10 over eight innings while issuing just one walk.
 
After Merrimack broke through with a two-run homer in the fifth, Siena responded with resilience in the sixth. Megan Klein set the table, and Goewey helped her own cause with an RBI double to right center. Later in the frame, Cali DeLawder's sacrifice fly plated the tying run after Gianna DiMeglio reached on an error.
 
With momentum on their side, Siena held Merrimack scoreless in the seventh to force extras, but the visitors capitalized in the eighth with a pair of solo home runs to reclaim control. Emma Petersen paced the Saints offensively with a two-hit effort, while Mckenzie Faherty provided a spark off the bench, scoring as a pinch runner during the sixth-inning rally.
 
Merrimack 9, Siena 7
The nightcap featured far more offense, with Siena jumping out to an early 3–0 lead in the first inning. Petersen delivered a two-run double to highlight the frame, and Goewey followed with another extra-base hit to keep the pressure on. However, Merrimack answered immediately, using a five-run second inning to flip the game.
 
Siena refused to go quietly, chipping away throughout the middle innings. The Saints used timely hitting to close within 8–6 by the fourth, with Petersen and Goewey once again leading the charge at the plate. Petersen finished with two hits and two RBI, while Goewey matched her with two hits and two runs driven in. Klein and Chloe Cummings each crossed the plate twice as part of a balanced offensive effort.
 
Despite continuing to apply pressure, Siena couldn't fully erase the deficit. Merrimack added an insurance run late, and the Saints' final push fell just short. In the circle, Violet Marta provided valuable length in relief after starting the game, while Kaytlin Stephens provided scoreless work over 1.1 innings.
 
With the losses, Siena moves to 23–16 overall and 14–9 in MAAC play. The Saints will look to bounce back quickly as they return to the field at home against Merrimack on Saturday, Apr. 25.