Double Shutout Propels Marist Softball Past Fairfield

By Mike Ferraro

NEW HAVEN, Ct – The Marist University softball team did not allow a run in its doubleheader sweep of Fairfield on Sunday at Albertus Magnus College to open Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play.

Ava Metzger tossed a shutout, and Haley Ahr drove in both runs in the Red Foxes’ 2-0 game one victory. Stella Blanchard threw a shutout in game two, and Isabella Manory hit a two-run homer.

Haley Ahr had two hits in each game.

Game One
Marist opened the scoring in the top of the third. With one out, McKenna Manley drew a walk to cap a 15-pitch at bat. Manley was forced out on a fielder’s choice by Peyton Pusey, who then advanced to second on a single by Annabelle Geiser. Haley Ahr’s single then brought home Pusey.

With two outs in the top of the fifth, Ahr homered on the first pitch of her at bat, which made the score 2-0.

Ava Metzger went the distance, as she tossed a two-hitter with 12 strikeouts. Metzger retired eight straight batters between the first and fourth innings. She struck out the side in the third, and took a no-hitter into the fourth.

Marist finished with eight hits, led by Ahr with two.

Game Two
McKenna Manley led off the top of the third with a single, stole second, advanced to third on a single by Annabelle Geiser, and scored the game’s first run on a single by Haley Ahr.
Samantha Rogers walked to lead off the fourth. Two batters later, Isabella Manory’s two-run homer staked Marist to a 3-0 advantage.

Marist tacked on an insurance run in the seventh. Ahr singled with one out, and she scored the game’s final run on a double by Rogers.

Marist had nine hits, led by Ahr and Manley with two apiece.

Stella Blanchard went the distance and pitched a one-hitter with five strikeouts. She did not allow a hit or walk over the final three innings, and needed just 88 pitches to complete her outing.