From NYU Athletics

The New York University softball team played a home doubleheader against University Athletic Association (UAA) foe Brandeis University at Bahoshy Field in the Bronx, NY, on Friday, April 20.

The Violets (15-13, 2-4) fell to the Judges (9-15, 2-8) in game one 5-0, before winning game two 4-3.

In game one, NYU fell behind 4-0 when Brandeis' Keri Lehtonen hit a grand slam with two outs in the second inning. Lehtonen recorded her fifth RBI of the game on a single up the middle in the fourth.

The Violets were unable to solve Judges' starter Scottie Todd, who hurled a complete-game shutout, walking one and striking out six. NYU did manage to compile seven hits by seven different players, all of which were singles.

Karissa Zubulake started in the circle for the Violets and tossed four innings before Olivia Mould pitched three scoreless frames.

After recording no extra-base hits in game one, the Violets had two in the first inning of game two. Caroline Saccacio slapped an RBI double to left center before Ashley Mains hit an RBI triple to right center. Claire Stefanelli drove in Mains with a bloop single to right field, and the Violets held a 3-0 lead after the first inning.

After Brandeis responded with a run in the top of the second, NYU restored its three-run lead with a Diana King RBI double.

In the top of the fifth, Brandeis loaded the bases with two outs. Marissa DeLaurentis hit a deep fly ball to center field and King made an over-the-shoulder catch while in a full sprint to preserve the Violet advantage.

King finished 2-for-2 in the contest with two stolen bases.

Cassi Parulis pitched 6.1 innings, allowing one earned run and striking out four. Scarlett Murphy recorded the final two outs for her first save of the season.

"It was a nice bounce-back win for us in the second game," said Head Coach Now-Allah James. "Their pitcher really shut us down in the opener, so it was good to score some early runs in the second game and see our pitchers preserve the lead."