Softball Suffers Setback to Saint Francis

Saturday, February 13

Wilmington, NC

4 PM

Army West Point

0-4

Saint Francis

3-1

Army West Point

Saint Francis (Pa.)

Softball Suffers Setback to Saint Francis

February 13, 2016 | Softball

Box Score

WILMINGTON, N.C. – In Saturday's second game of the Seahawk Softball Bash, the Army West Point softball team suffered a six inning 10-2 setback to Saint Francis. Army was able to tie the score at the top of the fourth, but the Red Flash had two four-run innings to clinch the victory.

"I'm glad we were able to get out on the dirt and in the elements and see what we've got," said head coach Michelle DePolo. "There's a lot of little things we can take from these games physically and emotionally. Offensively we are hitting the ball and getting base runners, we just need to produce more runs as a result. Defensively, at times as many as nine different people were either playing a position as a new member to the team or a position they haven't played yet in this team. We need to work out some kinks, utilize this time on the dirt and get used to playing side by side"

Kasey McCravey, Mae Wadyka and Gladys Esparza-Gallegos each recorded a hit in tonight's game. Alee Rashenskas notched a sacrifice bunt and had a run, while Hailey Megge had Army's other score.

The Black Knights took an early 1-0 lead when Rashenskas stole home after Nena Riccoboni had a pop up to short stop. The Red Flash advanced to a 2-1 lead at the bottom of the second after a two-run fielding error.

Both teams were scoreless in the third inning, but Army was able to score at the top of the fourth to tie things up at 2-all. Megge stole third after a pop up by Esparza-Gallegos, then an overthrow by the Red Flash allowed Megge to round into home.

At the bottom of the fourth, Saint Francis jumped out to a 6-2 lead with four runs. Army wasn't able to convert in the top of the top of the fifth, but with Renee Poirier in the circle at the bottom of the fifth the Black Knights were able to get three quick outs not allowing any Red Flashes on base.

The Black Knights were denied runs in the top of the sixth, but another four-run inning pushed Saint Francis out of reach. The game was called in the sixth due to the mercy rule with the score at 10-2.

"Overall, I was very proud the team didn't let the outside factors affect our effort and our attitude," DePolo said. "We competed hard each pitch. I saw big improvements each game even though our record doesn't reflect that right now."

After today's games, Army falls to 0-4 on the season. The Black Knights will be back in action when they take on UNC Wilmington tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. to close out the tournament.

For up-to-date information about Army softball, please follow @ArmyWP_Softball on Twitter and Instagram.