FINAL SCORE
Saint Joseph's (6-14) – 1
Monmouth (7-16) – 3
 
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Junior right-hander Billie Kerwood struck out nine batters as the Monmouth University Softball Team opened up an eight-game homestand with a 3-1 victory of the Saint Joseph's Hawks at MU Softball Park on Wednesday.

Each of Kerwood's first seven recorded outs were strikeouts as she now brings her season total up to 60 – a mark that ranks second in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA).

The Hawks struck for two runs in the bottom of the second to jump out to a 2-0 lead. Tessa Thompson was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to drive in the game's first run, and Gabby Gesualdo followed with a RBI fielder's choice.

Saint Joe's hung around and pushed its first run across on a RBI single by Kayla Tauber in the fifth, but Monmouth responded with an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth off a Savannah Simons infield single to push the lead back up to two.

Kerwood fanned two more Saint Joe's hitters in the seventh, and despite having the tying run at the plate, Devin Coia fielded a grounder and went unassisted at first base to seal the 3-1 win for Monmouth.
 
QUOTES
"What a great way to start off our homestand. Billie came out and just gave us an outstanding effort. Our defense was also outstanding making every play from routine to super challenging. Offensively, we found ways to put the ball in play and capitalize throughout the lineup. It's going to take the team to win, and today we won as a team. We are 1-0 at our home field, I am proud of this group, and we are excited to host Hampton this weekend." – Head Coach Shannon Salsburg

"It's a great start, and it gives us a lot of confidence going into this weekend against Hampton. I just had to trust my pitches today, and my changeup ended up being my go-to. Our defense was killer behind me. Abby was awesome, as always, calling a great game and throwing out some runners at key moments. A win like this is good vibes heading into a big weekend." – Junior Pitcher Billie Kerwood

NOTES & NUMBERS
- Kerwood now has 60 strikeouts on the season and 355 for her career.
- Kerwood improves to 5-7 in the circle this season.
- Dani Dabroski recorded two singles and a stolen base, her 10^th of the year.
- Simons is tied for second on the Hawks with 10 RBI.
- Saint Joe's leads the all-time series, 14-8-1.
- Monmouth left seven runners on base on the day, while Saint Joe's left six.
 
UP NEXT
The Hawks take on their second CAA opponent of the season, Hampton, on March 15-17 at MU Softball Park.