April 19, 2003

Final Stats

New Rochelle, N.Y. - The Iona College softball team picked up a sweep at home over Stony Brook University at Pinebrook Field. The Gaels edged the Seawolves, 3-2, in the first game and, 8-2, in game two. Iona improves to 7-16 overall while Stony Brook falls to 15-27.

In game one, hurlers Alison Higgs and Angela Andrews dueled through three innings before the Seawolves were able to scratch a run across in the top of the fourth. Hayley Durham's double in the inning scored Kristin Brust. The Gaels tied the score an inning later as Danielle Grasso doubled home Amy Burdette. The Gaels took the lead for good on a two-run double by designated player Kate Giella in the bottom of the sixth. Stony Brook threatened in the top of the seventh, but Higgs held on to the 3-2 lead, striking out Durham with the bases loaded to end the game.

For the Gaels, freshman Christine Benhabib was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with three singles and a run scored. Higgs doubled in three at-bats while tossing seven innings scattering eight hits and striking out nine batters. Stony Brook's Brust had two hits with a stolen base and a run scored in the game. Andrews tossed six innings allowing eight hits.

Iona scored early and often in game two, crossing the plate in every frame except for the final inning. Iona touched up starter Jessica Paparella for three hits and two runs in just a third of an inning of work. Sophomore Alicia Lanzieri had the big blow with a two-run single in the inning. Andrews came in to shut down the Gaels to end the first. Iona scratched across a run in the second and third inning. Sophomore Liz Hammel doubled into the gap and picked up two RBI in a three run fourth inning. Stony Brook scored their two runs in the fifth inning.

Burtette earned her second straight win with another stellar performance on the mound. In seven innings, Burdette scattered 10 hits wile allowing no earned runs and striking out four. Freshman Lindsay John was 3-for-3 at the plate with two runs scored and an RBI. Hammel, Giella, and Aviva Jorstad each collected two hits for Iona. The Gaels collected a season-high 14 hits in the win. For the Seawolves, centerfielder Stephanie DiBiase was 3-for-4 with three singles and a run score in the loss.

Stony Brook returns home to take on America East opponent Hartford on Wednesday.