Rochester continued the beginning of its new season with a double-header against Salisbury University and The College of New Jersey on Sunday. Against Salisbury, UR fell by a 9-14 margin. Later in the day, the Yellowjackets remained in contention during a 4-5 loss to New Jersey.
In game one, the women sent three different pitchers on the mound. Hannah Leahy got the initial start, allowing three runs on three hits over two innings on the mound. She tallied one strikeout as well.
After trailing 7-0 in the third inning, Rochester found their first runs on the board after Hannah Keiper hit a three-run home run to drive in Sammi Re and Isabella Feraca. It marked the first home run of Keiper's campaign.
The bats would not go away for Salisbury, as they added another four runs in the fourth inning to force the Yellowjackets into a 3-11 disadvantage.
In the bottom half of the inning, RBI singles from Feraca and Keiper put the Yellowjackets within a 6-11 deficit.
The relief efforts of Emily Sharlach and Abbie Biggs combined for 10 runs allowed on 14 hits over the last five innings of play.
Rochester ended the game on a high note, as Alexis Klee brought in Feraca and Marissa Russo on an RBI triple. Soon after, Meghan Bocyck established an RBI single to drive in Klee. Despite the late efforts, Rochester couldn't continue their rally in the final inning.
In the second game, Rochester relied on Addy Szczerba as the starter. She finished with five runs (two earned) on four hits over three innings pitched.
Entering the sixth inning, the women trailed by an 0-5 margin. However, a late RBI from Jessica Conforti sparked a small rally. Jen Carson managed to tack on an additional RBI to bring the Yellowjackets within three runs.
After a throwing error by New Jersey, Conforti managed to score on a bunt attempt from Alexis Pope to make the score 3-5.
With runners in scoring position, Lydia Petricca grounded out, but managed to bring in Re as a result. The Yellowjackets trailed 4-5. Despite the late promise, Rochester couldn't pull off the comeback.
The women will see an extended break as their next game will take place in California against Chapman University on March 11th.
