Pitching and long ball power Griffins to 4-0 week

The Fontbonne Univesity women's softball returned to St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) play this weekend dominating Blackburn College and Eureka College to go 4-0 on the weekend. The Griffins improved to 15-9 overall and 6-0 in the SLIAC.

Fontbonne defeated Blackburn 4-0 and 7-1 and then powered past Eureak 22-2 and 10-3. For the week, the Griffins outscored their opponents 43-6.

In their doubleheader against Blackburn, Fontbonne junior Rachel McCarthy threw a two-hit complete game shutout to earn the Griffins first victory. At the plate, sophomore Cassi Glixman went 3-3 for two runs scored and a RBI.

In the nightcap, Sarah Cerutti and Marissa Simon blasted home runs to lead the Griffins to victory. Freshman Madi Leonard threw a complete game striking out five to earn the victory. For the day, Griffin pitchers struck out 17 while walking just two.

"Everyone contributed, we had a bunch of quality AB's and it was the difference," head coach Bill Rosner said. "Our defense was solid but the hero was our pitching and receiving. They K'd 17 on the evening and only walked two, so it was a big night for the staff."

At Eureka, playing in heavy wind, Griffin hitters slammed five home runs on the day. In the first game, Simon and Cassi and Dani Glixman each drove the ball over the fence. Simon had a season-high five RBI's in the game. Dani Glixman and Jesse Pratt had three RBI's apiece. McCarthy picked up her second win of the week in the first game.

In the nightcap, Simon smoked another home run as did Cara Hargate. Simon went 3-4 at the plate with another four RBI's, giving her nine for the day. Leonard picked up the win on the mound for the Griffins.

"We hit alot of balls hard all day and ran the bases real well," Coach Rosner said.

Freshman Lindsay Schaefer threw two innings in relief on the day without giving up a hit.

The Griffins will return to the diamond on Wednesday hosting MacMurray College for a doubleheader beginning at 5 pm.