The defending MAAC Champions, Iona softball opened up the MAAC portion of their schedule on April 2 by hosting Fairfield in a pair of games at the Rice Oval. The Gaels split the doubleheader taking a loss in the first game and then rallying to win the second game.

In the first game, Sarah Minice of Fairfield dominated Iona’s hitters and one hit the offense in a 3-0 shutout. The Stags got on the board in the top of the third on an RBI single to left field by shortstop Laura Carta that scored third baseman Alli Wigand.

Adding to the lead, catcher Lauren Liseth put Fairfield up 2-0 in the fourth with an RBI groundout that scored leadoff batter Kristen Filicia.

In the sixth, Fairfield finished off the scoring with an RBI groundout by 1B Kristina Lingo that scored Filicia for a second time.

Minice picked apart the Gaels batting order with 5.2 innings of no-hit ball, but sophomore Jodi Petersen stopped the no-hitter on a single to left field. After losing the no-hitter, Minice came back strong and retired the last four batters of the game picking up her fifth win of the season, bringing her record to 5-5. Minice also fanned nine batters in her complete game victory.

Junior Sarah Jackson pitched for Iona and gave up nine hits, while surrendering three runs in seven innings. Jackson fell to 5-4 on the season with the tough loss to Fairfield.

Opening up game two, the Gaels had senior Alyssa Maiese pitching, looking to come back with a win.

In the top frame, the Stags quickly jumped to a 1-0 lead with a Lingo RBI that brought in leftfielder Tiffany Lawson. Iona, however, came back in the bottom half with a solo shot by junior Deanne Algeo that knotted the game up at 1-1.

In the bottom of the sixth inning Iona would take the lead as sophomore Eileen McCann singled up the middle to ignite a rally for the Gaels. After the single, Minice who just pitched a gem last game replaced starter Rebecca Trott. Petersen, however, came back with a single and gave Iona two runners on first and second with no outs. After two fielder’s choices in a row McCann and Petersen both got out at third on force-outs.

Iona still had runners on first and second though and senior Melanie Gettins knocked in the go ahead runs with a bases clearing double to right field.

In the final inning, Fairfield would muster a rally that loaded the bases with no outs with Maiese still on the mound, but a 5-2-3 double play and a ground out to second base quickly ended the game. Maiese earned a complete game win and her third win of the season. Maiese was able to keep Fairfield’s offense in check the whole game with seven strikeouts.

The Gaels continue MAAC play at home on April 16 with a doubleheader against Niagara at 1 and 3:30 p.m.

The next day the Gaels also take on MAAC rival Canisius at 12:00 and 2:30 p.m. for their second straight doubleheader.