Box Score WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Vanessa Cardoza (Santa Ana, Calif./Ocean View) went 2-for-3 and Sydney Underhill (Temecula, Calif./Chaparral) compiled eight strikeouts, but the Monmouth University softball team fell to Saint Joseph's, 5-2, Wednesday afternoon at MU Softball Park. With the loss, the Hawks fall to 8-18, while Saint Joseph's is now 21-12.

Emma Hill (Rae, Mo./King City [Highland C.C.]) and Chloe Howerth (Roscoe, Ill./Hononegah) each had a hit and a run, while Howerth also stole a base. Ashalynn Umiamaka (Kapolei, Hawaii/Kapolei [Eastern Arizona]) also added an RBI single. Underhill took the loss in the circle, allowing five earned runs on 12 hits and three walks, while striking out eight in six innings pitched.

Saint Joseph's struck first on Nicole Palase's two-run home run in the top of the first. Monmouth answered with two runs in the bottom of the third. Hill got things going with a double down the left field line before Howerth singled on a ground ball to shortstop, putting runners on the corners. Howerth then stole second and the catcher's throw went into center field, allowing Hill to score and advance Howerth to third. Umiamaka then singled up the middle to tie the game at 2-2.

After a pair of scoreless frames, Saint Joseph's struck for three runs in the top of the sixth to take the victory. Sarah Yoos walked and Bella Picard singled on the infield before Brandi Harkness drove in what proved to be the winning run with a single to left. Nikki Alden provided insurance with a two-run double, putting Saint Joseph's up 5-2.

Saint Joseph's pitcher Madison Clarke limited Monmouth to just one Cardoza hit over the last two innings to close out the game.

The Hawks return to conference action Saturday, when they travel to hOURglass rival Saint Peter's. First pitch from Jersey City is scheduled for noon.