BRIGHTON, Mass. — The Holy Cross softball team secured a 4-2 victory over Iona on Sunday, March 17. 

With the win, Holy Cross improves to 7-11 to start the year while Iona falls to 3-11. 

STARTING IN THE CIRCLE: 
Senior Megan Yurchick: W (4-5), 6.1 IP, two runs, seven hits, two walks, five strikeouts
Sophomore Sophia Roncone: S (2), 0.1 IP, no hits, no runs
Samantha Rieb: L (4-5), 4.0 IP, four runs, nine hits, one walk, one strikeout

STEPPING TO THE PLATE: 
Ava Gamblicher: 3-for-4, double, two runs scored
Ali Sniegocki: 2-for-4, RBI
Jamie Sheeran: 2-for-4, two RBI

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

• After senior right fielder Jessica Mott doubled to lead off the game and freshman left fielder Ava Gambichler followed with a single through the left side, Sniegocki hit a two-run double in the top of the first to give the Crusaders an early 2-0 lead. 
• An RBI single helped the Gaels cut the lead in half in the bottom of the third. 
• Holy Cross tacked on another run in the fourth but left the bases loaded to end the frame. The Crusaders' advantage grew to 4-1 by the fifth inning after sophomore shortstop Anna Brait singled to score Gambichler.
• Iona attempted a rally in the bottom of the seventh; an error and a single put a pair of runs on before a single through the left side scored a run, bringing Iona within 4-2. After a wild pitch and a walk loaded up the bases, Holy Cross relief pitcher Sophia Rincone drew a flyout to end the game.

DUE UP: 

• The Crusaders will host their home opener on Thursday, March 21, with a doubleheader against Merrimack. 
• Game 1 is set to get underway at 2 p.m. at Freshman Field. 

FOLLOW THE CRUSADERS 
Be sure to follow the Holy Cross softball team — and all things Crusader Athletics — on social media!
Twitter - @HCrossSB | @goholycross
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