Chestertown, MD –Stockton University (10-6) won the nightcap of its doubleheader at Washington College (7-14) 9-8 to earn a split after dropping the opener 7-5.
Leah McCray (Philadelphia/Merion Mercy Academy) blasted a two-run homer in the top of the sixth for the tying and winning runs.
McCray went 3-5 with the homer, five RBI and two runs in the second game.
Meg Murzello (Maple Shade/Holy Cross) was 4-4 with two runs in the victory.
Casey Schieda (Monroe Twp./Monroe Twp.) and
Lilly James (Roseland/West Essex) each had two hits, and the pair combined for five runs.
Stockton broke out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first. McCray smacked a two-run single that scored Schieda and Murzello. McCray and
Angie Dunphy (Hainesport/Rancocas Valley) each scored an unearned run in the stanza.
The Shorewomen got two runs back in the bottom of the first but the Ospreys answered with a pair in the top of the second. McCray singled home Murzello and Schieda later scored an unearned run. Another unearned tally in the third inning upped the advantage to 7-2 before Washington College exploded for six runs on five hits and an error in the bottom of the fifth to jump ahead 8-7.
Stockton responded quickly as Schieda led off the sixth frame with a single and McCray followed with her fourth homer of the season to provide the margin of victory in the 9-8 triumph.
Marissa Semeraro (Ridgefield/Ridgefield) pitched two scoreless innings out of the bullpen for the win.
Earlier, Stockton managed just three hits and its rally try was unsuccessful in the first game. Murzello went 1-3 with three RBI while McCray and
Ashley Lobell (Cedar Knolls/Whippany Park) added one hit apiece. McCray and Lobell each scored a run as well.
The home team broke on top 3-0 in the first inning and Stockton vaulted ahead with four runs in the top of the second. Lobell scored an unearned run and Murzello later doubled with the bases loaded for three RBI and a 4-3 edge. The Shorewomen plated two runs in the bottom of the second to go back in front 5-4.
The Ospreys had a great chance for a big inning in the fifth, loading the bases with nobody out, however they came up empty on two forceouts at home and a strikeout. Solo homers by Washington in the fifth and sixth innings made it 7-4. After McCray scored an unearned run in the top of the seventh, the game ended in a 7-5 shortfall.
Stockton will begin NJAC play on Saturday with a home doubleheader against Montclair State that begins at 1 pm.
