Bulldogs move to 1-4, following loss to Rams to close out opening weekend

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – After trailing 5-0 through five innings, the Bryant University softball team was unable to slow Fordham down, as the Rams defeated the Bulldogs, 16-0, on Sunday morning at the ECU Pirate Clash.

The Rams (7-3) opened the game with a 1-0 edge over the Bulldogs (1-4), following Skylar Johnston's RBI single up the middle. In the top of the third, the Fordham tacked on three more runs after Johnston's second RBI single and a two-run score off Lauren Quense's single to center field. Ally Vergona singled to left field in the top of the fifth, plating Lindsay Mayer for the Rams' 5-0 advantage.

The Rams put the game away in the top of the fifth, scoring 11 runs off eight hits, including a three-run homer by Jessica Hughes. The scoring spree also included a doubles by Vergona and Sydney Canessa, and a two RBI triple from Madison Shaw.

The Bulldogs were unable to respond in the bottom of the sixth, despite freshman Helaina Michaud (Phoenixville, Pa.) reaching first on the Rams only fielding error in the game.

Sophomore Colby Norris (Toano, Va.) received the loss in the circle, giving up eight runs off eight hits, while striking out one batter in 3.2 innings. Freshman Gabrielle Ermish (Pottstown, Pa.) also fanned one batter in 2.1 innings on the mound.

Lauren Quense moved to 6-0 on the season, throwing one ball and three strikeouts in 6.0 innings pitched. The Rams totaled 16 runs off 16 hits, as Hughes and Johnston went 2-for-3, while Mayer went 3-for-5. The Bulldogs didn't record any hits in the contest.

Bryant returns to action on March 3-5 at the Citrus Classic 2 in Orlando, Fla., where they will play Chattanooga, Purdue, South Alabama, Mercer and Florida International.