The Canisius College Golden Griffins dropped a non-conference doubleheader Friday, losing both games to Long Beach State by identical scores of 4-0 at the 49er Softball Field in Long Beach, Calif. Canisius has now dropped three straight to fall to 10-8, while the 49ers improved to 22-10 with the pair of victories.
Canisius freshman Valorie Nappo had three hits in the two games, with two of those base knocks coming in the first game. She also had a double in the second game, as the Griffs were shutout for the second and third-straight game, dating back to the March 23 loss at Loyola Marymount. Junior Lauren Falzone had a hit in the first game as well, and Katie Medina and Lizzy Gatto added hits to the Griffs' effort as the host 49ers pitching staff held the Blue and Gold to a total of six hits through the two games.
In the first game, Long Beach State, which received votes in this week's ESPN/NFCA Top-25 Poll, took a 2-0 lead with a single run in each of the first two frames. The 49ers then posted back-to-back homers off losing pitcher Caroline Main in the fifth to help post the final tally. Main allowed four runs on eight hits while striking out three and walking three. She is now 4-4 on the season.
In the second game, Long Beach State senior hurler Taylor Petty threw a complete-game one-hitter in the 49ers 4-0 victory. Long Beach State scored all of its runs in the first two innings, and it proved to be more than enough for Petty, who improved to 4-4 in the circle this season for the 49ers.
Canisius sophomore Amanda Baun was lifted after she allowed four runs on three hits in two innings of work. She was relieved by freshman Jen Consaul, who did not allow a run and gave up two hits while striking out one in four innings.
Canisius will close out its West Coast roadtrip on Saturday when the Griffs take on Ohio and Cal State Fullerton in a split-doubleheader. The team's game against the Ohio Bobcats will be played at Cal State Fullerton's Titan Softball Complex, with first pitch set for 4 p.m., Eastern. Canisius will then meet the Titans on their home field at 7:30 p.m., Eastern time.
