PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Holy Cross softball team's winning streak was halted at two games as they lost both contests in a non-conference doubleheader at the Rutgers Tournament Saturday. The Crusaders were stifled 3-0 in game one by Fairfield and 8-0 in six innings during game two by the host Scarlett Knights.

Holy Cross slides to 5-12 with the losses while Fairfield moves to 5-11 with the win and Rutgers improves to 20-10.
 
GAME ONE: STAGS 3, CRUSADERS 0 (FINAL):

IN THE CIRCLE:

• Katie Kudlacik W (2-2), 7.0 innings, complete game, shutout six strikeouts, six walks, two hits allowed.
• Senior Kelly Nelson: L (4-7), 6.0 innings, complete game, two earned runs, six strikeouts, one walk.

STEPPING TO THE PLATE:

• Haley Updegraff: 2-for-3, two doubles, one run scored.
• Charli Warren: 2-for-2, one walk, stolen base.
• Mikayla Rubin: 1-for-3, one RBI.
• Sophomore Jessica Mott: 1-for-2, two walks.
• Senior Bailey Chavez: 1-for-2.
• Junior Bailey Bates: stolen base.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Fairfield cracked the scoring column early as Updegraff doubled to center on an 0-2 pitch to lead off the frame. Warren then attempted a sacrifice bunt, but it was ruled a single and an error scoring Updegraff for the first run of the ball game.
• In the top of the third, the Crusaders threatened with runners at first and second with two away, but struck out to end the inning.
• The next half inning saw the Stags add onto their edge when Rubin singled plating Warren making it 2-0.
• An RBI groundout in the bottom of the fifth increased their lead to 3-0.
• The Crusaders almost broke through in the sixth as a first and second situation was thwarted by two fielder's choice outs.

 
GAME TWO: SCARLETT KNIGHTS 8, CRUSADERS 0 (FINAL -  6 INNINGS):

IN THE CIRCLE:

• Ashley Hitchcock: W (8-8), 6.0 innings, complete game, shutout, two hits allowed, three strikeouts, one walk.
• Sophomore Megan Yurchick: L (1-5), 3.0 innings, four earned runs – three earned, two hits, six walks allowed, one strikeout.

STEPPING TO THE PLATE:

• Kyleigh Sand: 1-for-2, two RBI, two runs scored, two walks.
• Gabrielle Callaway: 1-for-2, home run, three RBI, one run scored, walk.
• Maddie Lawson: 1-for-3, two RBI.
• Jessica Mott: 1-for-3.
• Megan Yurchick: 1-for-2.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• A two out error kept the inning alive for Rutgers in the bottom of the second. A Leilani Chavez single loaded the bases and the next batter, Sand walked for the 1-0 Scarlett Knights lead.
• Four straight free passes in the home half of the fourth resulted in another run for Rutgers. A sacrifice fly off the swing of Callaway increased the lead to 3-0. Lawson singled to first base making it a 5-0 advantage for the hosts.
• The Crusaders got their first baserunner when Yurchick singled to centerfield on a full count in the top of the fifth. The next batter grounded into a 5-4-3 double play and the inning concluded with a groundout to shortstop.
• A double play in the fifth was the sixth run of the contest before a Callaway two-run shot in the sixth completed the run rule win.

DUE UP:

• The Crusaders will wrap up their trip to Jersey tomorrow with an 11:15 a.m. contest against Stony Brook and a 1:30 p.m. contest with St. Peter's.