By Draven Dabrowski
Sports Writer
The Owls capped off a doubleheader sweep over Queens College with a 6- 2 win.
After struggling with timely hitting for much of the season, the university delivered when it mattered most.
“It was a great team win,” Head Coach Kate Bowen said. “Coming up again with a couple timely hits was really exciting to see.”
The university carried momentum into the second game after taking the opener earlier in the day.
The Owls started the bottom of the inning with infielder Izzy Ingersoll, a sophomore, working through nine pitches for a walk before moving to second on a sacrifice bunt from infielder Gianna Iaquinto, a graduate.
After a lineout, catcher Karley Austin, a junior, came through with a single to right field, bringing Ingersoll home for the game’s first run.
Ingersoll, who made an immediate impact last season, continues to be recognized by teammates for her play.
“She is one of the best hitters I’ve ever seen,” second baseman Nadia Cestari, a graduate, said. “She is awesome.”
The Owls did not stop there, as they continued to apply pressure in the second inning.
Outfielder Jordan Chamberlain, a senior, and Cestari opened the frame with back-toback hits before infielder Samantha LaFemina, a senior, drew a walk to get the bases loaded.
A four-pitch walk forced in a run and extended the university’s lead to 2-0.
Queens responded with a run in the top of the third, but the Owls answered right back with their biggest inning of the afternoon.
A bunt by outfielder Cheyenne LaTouche, a sophomore, gave Austin the chance to once again advance into scoring position.
Chamberlain followed with an RBI single to bring her home.
Moments later, pitcher Olivia Young, a junior, moved into scoring position on a throwing error, allowing Chamberlain to run to third.
Cestari delivered one of the biggest swings of the game, driving a double to left field that plated two runs and pushed the lead to 5-1.
After a wild pitch moved her to third, Ingersoll added to the rally with an RBI double, stretching the advantage to 6-1.
Cestari, a senior captain this season, showed exactly how she earned her role. She delivered in key moments, drawing praise from her teammates.
“Nadia is one of the positive girls on the team,” Ingersoll said. “I look up to her as a role model because she always brings good energy, and she just has been making good connection all season, and it has finally paid off.”
The two doubles from Cestari and Ingersoll sealed the game for the Owls.
Austin finished a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with an RBI, a run scored and three stolen bases, creating constant opportunities for the offense.
Cestari went 2-for-3 with the double, two RBI and two runs scored. Ingersoll at bat went 3-1, one RBI and one run scored.
At the mound, pitcher Giselle DeLutri, a sophomore, earned the win and improved to 2-2 on the season.
DeLutri allowed just one run on five hits over four innings while striking out six.
Pitcher Kate Nickerson, a sophomore, followed with three innings of relief to pick up the save, allowing one run and limiting any chance of a late comeback for Queens.
The team’s ability to stay patient at the plate, capitalize on scoring opportunities and get those timely hits made all the difference.
The university split a double header against Saint Anselm College at home on Friday, March 27 at Pelz Field after weather issues forced the game to be moved from New Hampshire.
“This was a great two wins to get us going into the second conference weekend,” Bowen said.
