STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Saint Francis University softball defeated Wagner 4-3 to clinch their fourth conference series sweep of the season.
 
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
» Grace Vesco pitched three innings and allowed no runs on one hit. She earned the first Red Flash save of the season when she re-entered the game in the seventh inning.
» Mekenzie Saban went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, which included the game-winner in the seventh inning.
» Rachel Marsden went 2-for-4 and Ashley Wruble went 1-for-3 with two RBIs.
» Mackenzie Vogler hit a solo home run for the Seahawks.
 
FLASH QUOTES
"We're reaching a point in our season where we have played a lot of games and to find this momentum is very important. This past week we worked on adjusting to the pitches that have been giving us some trouble to build that confidence up." – Graduate student Saban on the momentum and adjustments at the plate.
 
"The softball community comes together in a way like no other. We think this is important for not just the softball community to recognize that mental health is serious. Everyone deserves to have a voice and know they're not alone. I think us wearing the ribbons displays that we're in support of getting the word out there."- Saban on the team wearing green ribbons in support of mental health awareness.
 
"I think this will help continue to build our confidence and give us the reps we need. This gives us the ability to work through different situations and get us ready for what's to come. We have to continue to grind and put in the time to grow our discipline" – Head coach Jessica O'Donnell on the series sweep over Wagner and how to continue this stretch of play.
 
TURNING POINTS OF THE GAME
» Saint Francis took an early lead when Saban scored on a Wagner error. Wruble followed with a two-run single and gave the Red Flash a 3-0 lead in the first inning.
» After two scoreless innings, Wagner's Vogler hit a solo home run followed later in the inning by an RBI single. The Seahawks tied the game 3-3 in the sixth inning with a single to right field.
» Saban reached on an error and Ward singled to produce two runners with one out in the seventh inning. Olivia Ulam followed with a hard-hit ball to shortstop that produced an error to score Saban and give Saint Francis a 4-3 lead.
» Vesco re-entered the game in the seventh after starting and stranded a runner on second base to clinch the 4-3 victory and series sweep.

FLASH NUGGETS
» After her two-hit performance and five-hit weekend, Saban is one hit shy of tying Hayley Norton's career program record of 243 set from 2016-19.
» The save was Vesco's first of the season and third of her collegiate career. Her last save was on May 6, 2021 against Central Connecticut.
» Wruble led the team with five home runs in the series sweep after she produced 14 RBIs through her first 38 games played.

UP NEXT
Saint Francis returns home for its final three games of the regular season May 7-8 against Sacred Heart. Jordan Frank, Saban and Lindsay Ward will all be honored prior to a May 7 doubleheader for Senior Day.