STANDISH, Maine — Saint Joseph's College is moving on in the GNAC Tournament after a hard-fought 4–3 win over New England College in Tuesday's play-in game at Richard W. Bailey Field. The win bumps the Monks' record to 17–22 and sets them up for a matchup against Rivier University in Thursday's pod play.
The day carried extra weight for Saint Joe's, as the program celebrated Senior Day before first pitch. Seven seniors—Charlotte Cloutier (Lewiston, ME), Abby Carpenter (Bath, ME), Paige Connery (Tyngsboro, MA), Madison Pelletier (New Gloucester, ME), Rylee Page (Somersworth, NH), Katie Bent (Andover, NH), and Sylvia Foley (Scarborough, ME)—along with team manager Maggie Sylvester, were honored in a pre-game ceremony.
Head Coach Jamie Smyth was also honored for his 600th career victory, secured earlier this season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Monks got on the board early, grabbing a 1–0 lead in the second inning when Pelletier scored on a groundout by Connery. In the fourth, Pelletier doubled and later came around to score on Carpenter's RBI double, stretching the lead to 2–0.
New England College rallied in the fifth, taking advantage of a Monks miscue and stringing together four hits to plate three runs. RBI singles from three players gave the Pilgrims a 3–2 edge.
Saint Joseph's didn't wait long to answer. In the bottom half of the fifth, Cloutier tied the game, scoring on a sac fly from Chantelle Bouchard (Biddeford, ME). The Monks took the lead for good in the sixth, when Sylvia Foley crossed the plate on a clutch single from Anna Gilbert.
Pelletier shut the door in the seventh, stranding two NEC runners to seal the win. She tossed a complete game, giving up eight hits and three earned runs while walking three and striking out one.
Monks Leaders:
Pilgrims Leaders:
NEXT!
The Monks hit the road next, heading to Rivier University for Thursday's GNAC Tournament pod play contest.
