LAKEWOOD, NJ- On a day the Georgian Court University softball team wore pink to raise breast cancer awareness, the Lions had Philadelphia University seeing red as GCU pounded the Lady Rams 15-4 and 11-2 in two five-inning contests, increasing its season-high winning streak to ten.

Rachel Ruch, whose mother, Cathy, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to her daughter, appropriately paid tribute to her mom with a 5-for-7 effort on the day which included a grand slam and five RBI in the first game.

GAME ONE

Philadelphia (8-23, 6-12 CACC) pounced on GCU starting pitcher Brooke Hull with four runs in the second inning, which included a three-run homer by the Lady Rams' #9 hitter, 1B Alexandra Hultburg (Jr.-Hampton Bays, NY).  The Lions' potent offense immediately responded in the bottom of the frame by scoring eight runs and eight hits, headlined by Ruch's grand slam. GCU added two more runs in the third inning and poured it on in the fourth frame with five more to easily coast to the victory.

CF Dara Schroeder went 3-for-4 with three runs scored and two stolen bases. LF Alyssa Paradiso ripped a triple and collected two RBI and two runs scored in her 2-for-3 effort. 3B Kelsey Cutler (2-for-3, R, RBI); RF Selina Santillo (2-for-3, 2 R); and C Christina Masitti (2-for-2, 3 R, RBI) also enjoyed multi-hit performances.

Hull improved to 21-9 in the circle for the Lions, yielding four runs (2 ER) on three hits, two walks and a strikeout. Philly's Nicole Troisi (Fr.-Norristown, PA) fell to 4-9 after getting creamed for 12 runs (11 ER) on 13 hits and a walk. GCU collected 16 hits in the contest.


GAME TWO 

In a carbon copy of Game One, the Lady Rams took a 2-0 lead on a long two-run homer in the first inning off the bat of Philly 2B Meaghan Lewis (So.-Binghamton, NY). GCU again countered with a lopsided inning, plating eight runs in the third inning and three more in the fourth to file the victory away.

Paradiso laced another triple as she again went 2-for-3 with a run and two RBI. Ruch (2-for-3, 2 R, RBI) and SS Ashlynn Thompson (2-for-3, R, RBI) enjoyed multi-hit contests while Cutler (1-for-2, R) and Santillo (1-for-3, 2 R) drove in a pair of runs each.

Hull again earned the win, improving to 22-9. The GCU ace permitted two runs on three hits over four innings of work. Samantha Abromavage (Fr.-Lake Hopatcong, NJ) suffered the defeat and dropped to 4-10, allowing 11 runs (8 ER) on 12 hits over four innings.

GCU (27-15, 14-4 CACC) hosts Adelphi University in a significant non-conference doubleheader Thursday afternoon at 3:00 PM.