The Lions pushed their winning streak to six as they bested the University of Rochester for the third time in two days, capping off a triumphant first weekend of home play.
The Lions (13-3) took on Rochester in a Sunday doubleheader, shutting out the Yellow Jackets 5-0 in the opening game, behind the one-hit pitching performance of sophomore Jessica Donohue. The Lions closed out the day by posting a 7-2 win in the second game.
"We have been on a roll," junior right fielder Danielle Bertran said. "Any time we step on the field, we feel like we are going to win."
Sunday's victories came after a previous 7-4 win over Rochester in a round-robin hosted by the College on Saturday, where the Lions also defeated Ursinus College by a score of 4-3.
"To play four games, and to win four games is a great feeling," Katie Fritz, junior second baseman, said.
"It has been a team effort, every game," Sally Miller, head coach said. "We do not have one, two or even three players carrying this team. We have consistent starters as well as people coming off the bench. Everyone adds to the wins."
The Lions swung for 15 hits in the final game, behind the bats of senior Jen Kichula, junior Carolyn Kaschak and sophomore Kristen Zimmerman. Both Kichula and Zimmerman were flawless in the batter's box.
Kichula went 4-for-4 at the plate, improving her career-hit tally to 113. Zimmerman hit 3-for-3 on the game, and Kaschak chipped in with an impressive 3-for-4 performance and three runs scored.
Freshman starting pitcher Jackie Schnorrbusch improved her season record to 4-1 with the win, while fellow freshman Kelly Quigley recorded a save for her final innings of work on the mound.
"It is always hard to beat a team three times in a row, because you learn the tricks and plays of the opposing team," Fritz said.
"We were shown a lot of things after playing them twice that we were able to use to our advantage," Miller said. "We were able to dissect them to a key, and attack them with our weapons."
The opening game of the doubleheader was highlighted by Donahue's sixth straight win. The sophomore struck out eight Yellow Jackets at the plate in her first career one-hitter.
The College rallied for 11 hits in the victory. Seniors Lauren McEvoy and Michele Meier both went 2-for-3 from the batter's box, while Kichula and Kaschak batted 2-for-4. Kichula blasted an RBI double in the first inning, to drive Kaschak in for a run.
"It was a successful weekend, and a good home start," Fritz said.
The Lions begin conference play this Saturday, as they take on Rutgers-Newark at home.
"We have a positive outlook and are gaining confidence," Bertran said. "Everyone feels excited to start playing our first conference games."
"The way we've been playing, we're ready to go," Miller said.
