Softball Atlantic 10 Conference

Explosive Offense Sends No. 1 Fordham to #A10SB Semifinals

FAIRFAX, Va. – Top-seeded Fordham scored 10 runs in six innings over fifth-seeded Saint Louis in Friday's first game of the Atlantic 10 Softball Championship at George Mason Softball Complex in Fairfax, Va.

Fordham (43-14) advances to face the awaited winner of Friday's second game between Massachusetts and Saint Joseph's. The Billikens (25-24) fell into the consolation bracket and will play No. 6 George Mason Friday evening in an elimination game.

Lauren Quense (21-8) takes the win for the Rams, tossing a complete six-inning game, allowing three hits two runs, both earned, while striking out three.

Maddie Baalman (15-13) took the loss for Saint Louis, throwing 5.1 innings, allowing 10 runs (eight earned) on 14 hits, while striking out five.

Fordham scored two runs in the bottom of the first as Lindsay Mayer singled to center field, sending Sydney Canessa and Jessica Hughes home who reached on a walk and a single off a bunt, respectively, to start the inning.

The Rams added two more runs in the bottom of the second as Canessa had a single to left, followed by a double from Hughes which sent Canessa home. Madison Shaw stepped up to the plate and doubled to center field, sending Hughes home.

Fordham scored twice more in the bottom of the fourth as Shaw and Deanna Burbridge both came home.

Saint Louis looked to rally in the top of the fifth as Emma Buckles singled to center to start the inning. Alex Nickel followed with a deep double to right field which sent Buckles home, Nickle advanced to third on the throw and took home on an error by Fordham.

Fordham added to their impressive offensive performance, adding four runs in the bottom of the six, to end the game. Canessa launched a home run straight out over the center field fence, picking up three RBI. Hughes followed with a triple to left field, two batters later she was sent home as Skylar Johnston singled to left, giving Hughes the time to advance home and seal the win by eight-run rule.

Canessa and Hughes led the Rams going 3-for-4 on the day. Canessa picked up three RBI and Hughes one.