Siena Softball was unable to recover from an early deficit, falling to Marist 11–3 in a decisive matchup at Gartland Field on Saturday afternoon. Despite the setback, the Saints (25-20, 15-12 MAAC) secured their ninth consecutive MAAC Tournament berth and will enter postseason play as the No. 6 seed.
Siena will square off against third-seeded Iona in the opening round at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6 in Poughkeepsie.
Marist wasted no time seizing control, striking for three runs in the opening frame behind a three-run home run from Haley Ahr. The Red Foxes continued their offensive surge in the second inning, plating six more runs—including a grand slam—to build a commanding 9-0 advantage.
The Saints showed life in the fourth inning, accounting for all three of their runs.
Gracie Goewey sparked the rally with a solo home run, while
Carlie Venables and
Gianna DiMeglio helped keep the momentum going with key hits.
Mckenzie Faherty later crossed the plate as a pinch runner, trimming the deficit to 9-3.
However, Marist responded in the fifth, capitalizing on a Siena throwing error and an RBI double to extend the lead to 11-3, which would hold as the final.
Offensively, Goewey led the charge with her home run and a walk.
Ella Milante contributed an RBI double, while Venables recorded a two-hit performance with an RBI.
Cali DeLawder also added a double and scored a run.
In the circle, Siena utilized three pitchers. Goewey (14-12) took the loss after allowing four earned runs in one inning of work.
Violet Marta surrendered five runs in relief, and
Kaytlin Stephens provided 2.1 innings, allowing two runs while striking out one.
Marist (34-19, 24-3 MAAC) finished the regular season strong, securing the top seed and home field advantage in the conference tournament.
