BY JONNY WALKER, STAFF WRITER
The St. Bonaventure University softball team concluded its season over the weekend, dropping a three-game series against Fordham.
Pitcher Emily Phelan headlined game one for the Bonnies (8-38, 1-23), allowing just two earned runs. Rams’ (26-18, 14-6) ace Devon Miller, however, allowed only one earned run, earning her team the victory, 2-1.
Bonaventure took a first-inning lead, 1-0, on a Grace Perechinsky RBI groundout. Fordham’s run support proved superior as Bailey Enoch recorded a two-RBI triple in the sixth inning.
“I believe there were many times that we made solid contact at the plate,” said Bonaventure shortstop Kennedy Haberl. “Unfortunately, we could not find the gaps to get on base and score the runners.”
The Rams won game two by an 11-run margin, 10 more than game one.
Tierney Fitzgerald started in the circle for the Bonnies. Head Coach Mike Threehouse pulled her after she allowed three earned runs in just 0.2 innings pitched.
Elizabeth Lis pitched 6.1 innings in relief, surrendering seven earned runs. Fordham’s other three runs came on errors by the Atlantic 10’s lowest ranked team in fielding percentage.
Haberl said her team’s continued hitting struggles cemented their loss in game two.
“We could not produce by getting girls on [base],” said Haberl. “And then, of course, the key is getting them across the plate to score.”
Rams’ pitcher Makenzie McGrath allowed two hits in seven innings pitched, leading her team to victory, 13-2.
Bonaventure’s Emily Phelan returned to the circle in game three, pitching all seven innings.
Phelan recorded a game-high seven strikeouts and surrendered four runs. Fordham capitalized on fielding mistakes by the Bonnies, winning the series finale, 8-4.
Haberl said Sunday’s rain impacted her team’s performance.
“The weather … for game three made it difficult for a mentally and physically strong game,” said Haberl. “We made a couple errors that did hurt us in the long run.”
Bonaventure recorded the most errors of any team in the Atlantic 10 this season with 67.
The Bonnies finished their season last in the A-10 standings. They did not qualify for the postseason, a goal Threehouse and many players said they had set for the team.
“I wouldn’t say that this season was a failure,” said Haberl. “There is always something you learn every season.”
Haberl already has her eyes set on next season.
“Next year, the team is headed for what could be a successful season,” said Haberl. “Most of our starters are going to be a year older, and we are going to have an upperclassmen team for the first time in a couple years. So, with more experience under our belts, hopefully we can make it back to the A-10s.”
walkerjc20@bonaventure.edu
