BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- Sophomore pitchers Josie Novak and Amanda Carisone each tossed their second straight shutout as the No. 19 ranked Moravian College softball team extended its winning streak to 12 games with its sixth consecutive sweep as the Greyhounds defeated Drew University, 6-0 and 8-0 in five innings, in Landmark Conference action at Blue & Grey Field Thursday afternoon.
The Hounds, now 23-3 overall and 7-1 in Landmark Conference action are one win away from clinching their 22nd straight postseason appearance. The Blue and Grey have now won at least 23 games in each of Head Coach John Byrne's 23 seasons as he extended his career record to 736-224.
"I couldn't ask for anything better from our pitchers, they are in a good grove right now," Byrne said. "Hopefully that continues on, and our defense is playing well. Offensively, we were better today and had some people step up. Janae (Matos) had a big hit in the first game, and Kat (Spilman's) homer in the second game was clutch with people on base. We just need people to keep stepping up with runners on and scratch out more runs. These were two good conference wins and we're looking forward to Saturday's games."
Novak tossed her second straight one-hitter in the opener to go with one walk as she improved to 12-1 on season in the circle. Novak struck out 11 batters including five consecutive Rangers from the first through third innings, and it was her third double-digit strikeout game of the season. Novak is now 31-7 in her career with 267 strikeouts.
Moravian had seven hits in the game with junior left fielder Julie Siragusa going 2-for-2 with a double.
The Hounds scored all six of their runs in the bottom of the fourth inning in the first contest. Sophomore catcher Janae Matos reached on an error with the bases loaded to score the first two runs. Sophomore first baseman Jean Markovic followed with a two RBI single before junior pinch hitter Niki Maffettone connected on an RBI single. Freshman shortstop Kaela Kane drove in the final run with an RBI sacrifice fly.
Carisone would scatter three hits and a walk in the second contest as she improved to 11-2 this spring. She had seven strikeouts including the final batter of the game, and Carisone joined Novak in Moravian's 30-win club, becoming the 12th pitcher to reach the milestone with a 30-4 mark. Carisone also raised her career strikeout total to 181.
The Greyhounds added 11 hits in game two with junior designated player Victoria Conner going 2-for-2. Senior right fielder Mary Schlosbon and Siragusa were each 2-for-3 with doubles as Siragusa connected on her team-leading 15th double of the season, which also ties the single season school record.
Moravian gave Carisone all the offense she needed in the bottom of the first inning with three runs. Schlosbon led off with a double and moved to third on a bunt single by Kane. Freshman third baseman Madison Shaneberger followed with an RBI single to chase Schlosbon across the plate. Later in the inning, Siragusa ripped a two-RBI double down the right field line.
The Greyhounds added a run on the bottom of the second when Kane connected on an RBI sacrifice fly, and Moravian scored four times in the bottom of the fourth inning for an 8-0 lead. Conner and Schlosbon singled while Shaneberger walked before freshman center fielder Kat Spilman ripped a grand slam to center field, her third homer of the season.
Moravian is scheduled to return to action on Saturday, April 16 in a Landmark Conference doubleheader versus Susquehanna University beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Blue & Grey Field in Bethlehem.
