UNION, N.J. – The William Paterson softball team (2-6) split a road doubleheader against John Jay (1-1) March 11. The Pioneers dropped the first game in a narrow 6-5 loss before rallying in extra innings to secure a 4-3 victory in game two.
 
GAME ONE
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• In the top of the first, junior Zoey Hagan (Atlantic Highlands, N.J./Henry Hudson) and classmate Lilah Guthy (East Stroudsburg, Pa./Stroudsburg) executed a double steal, with Hagan taking second and Guthy stealing home to give WP an early lead (1-0).
• John Jay tied the game in the bottom of the inning after plating a run (1-1).
• In the second inning, junior Hailey Backo (Wallington, N.J./Wallington) hit a sacrifice fly to center field, driving in two runs as senior Lauren Hutchison (South Plainfield, N.J./South Plainfield) and freshman Stephanie Ciravolo (Marlboro, N.J./Marlboro) scored to give the Pioneers a 3-1 lead.
• Sophomore Samantha Campos (River Edge, N.J./River Dell) doubled to right center, allowing Hagan to cross for a run in the third to give WP a three-run advantage (4-1).
• In the bottom of the fourth, John Jay tacked on another run to trim the deficit to two (4-2).
• WP responded in the sixth when junior Brandi Shortway (Midland Park, N.J./Midland Park) belted an RBI double to left center. 
• In the seventh, the Bloodhounds scored six runs to defeat the Pioneers, 6-5.  

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Hagan went 2-for-3 at the plate with a run scored.
• Campos recorded a double, going 1-for-3 on with a stolen base and an RBI.
• Guthy batted 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored.
• Shortway finished 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.
• Ciravolo crossed home twice.

GAME TWO
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• In the top of the first, Hutchison scored on a wild pitch, giving WP an early lead (1-0).
• Campos singled to center in the top of the second, driving in Hagan and extending the Pioneers' advantage to 2-0. In the top of the fourth, junior Taylor Palmieri (Oakland, N.J./Indian Hills) came around to score on a wild pitch, stretching the lead to 3-1.
• John Jay scored two runs in the seventh to tie the game at 3-3 and force extra innings.
• In the eighth, Campos hit a sacrifice fly to right field and put WP back on top, 4-3.
• The Pioneers' defense held firm in the bottom of the eighth, ultimately securing the 4-3 win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Campos hit 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a sacrifice fly.
• Hagan finished with two runs scored and a walk.
• Junior Taylor Palmieri (Oakland, N.J./Indian Hills) and Hutchison each crossed home for the Pioneers.

UP NEXT:

• William Paterson travels to Stevens for a road doubleheader Wednesday, March 19, at 11:00 a.m.  

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