Fox Lane Defeats John Jay 10-6 in Softball

John Jay's softball team lost 10-6 to Fox Lane on Friday.

"It was a good game between two good teams," Fox Lane coach Anthony Rodrigues said.

John Jay assistant coach Erica Kostik, who was filling in for an out-sick head coach Joe Mammoser, thought the loss came from a few too many defensive mistakes.

Kostik also stressed the importance of making sure the Indians play with confidence.

"It's always important for the girls to keep themselves confident throughout the game," she said.

Fox Lane pitcher Toni-Ann Licata walked John Jay's Elise Symer, who eventually scored off of Chelsea Merritt's hit to centerfield for a 1-0 lead.

The Foxes rallied back for the 1-1 tie on Christina Quaranta's hit to left field that brought in Isabella Rago.

Fox Lane surged ahead from there as Quaranta raced for home plate, and was called safe on a close call for the 2-1 lead.

Looking for their last out in the top of the second, the Indians weren't able to close out the inning as the Foxes scored two more runs to lead 4-1.

"That opened things up," Rodrigues said.

Trailing by three, Kostik got her team to regroup. A base hit by Paige Garafolo brought in Laura Eldman to narrow the deficit to 4-3.

Fox Lane didn't flinch, however, as an Alison Lombardi's sac fly scored Natalie Beyer for a 5-3 lead. A big home run from Jackie Gigante brought in Christi Lombardi as the Foxes went further ahead 7-3 to start the fourth inning. The Foxes extended their lead to 9-3 shortly thereafter.

John Jay upped the intensity in the fifth and quickly recorded three outs to retire the side.

The Foxes responded in turn, with two straight outs before Licata hit a home run cutting the lead to 9-4. But John Jay never closed the gap, and Fox Lane held on for the win.

The teams face each other again today at Fox Lane in a 4:30 matchup.