Cardinals Split Doubleheader with Elmira in Hard-Fought Battle

By Christopher Drummond

PITTSFORD, N.Y. — The St. John Fisher University softball team split a competitive doubleheader against Elmira College on Saturday afternoon, powering to an 8–2 victory in game one before falling 4–3 in extra innings in game two. The loss snapped the Cardinals’ four-game winning streak.

Game 1: Holmes, Lorimer Lead the Way

St. John Fisher came out swinging in the opener, jumping to an early 3–0 lead thanks to a bases-clearing double from junior standout CC Holmes.

Elmira responded with a sacrifice fly and later trimmed the deficit to 3–2 on a solo home run by Sophia Polzella in the fifth inning. With momentum shifting and Elmira threatening to take the lead, senior pitcher Hallie Lorimer remained composed, escaping a late jam to preserve the advantage.

Lorimer delivered a complete-game performance, allowing just three hits while striking out six.

St.John Fisher pitcher Hallie Lorimer in game one against Elmira College on Saturday.

The Cardinals’ offense broke the game open in the sixth inning. Holmes continued her dominant day with a towering home run to center field, extending the lead to 5–2 and bringing her RBI total to five. The Cardinals added three more runs in the inning, highlighted by a two-RBI single from freshman Sarah Gross, sealing the 8–2 win.

“I thought we did really well out there,” said Lorimer. “Our offense really came alive, and CC sparked everything. She brings incredible energy every game.”

Holmes reflected on her performance, which marked her first five-RBI game at the collegiate level.

“I just wanted to come through for my team in that moment,” she said. “I told myself, ‘See ball, hit ball.’ It feels great to contribute like that, especially with a pitcher like Hallie backing us up.”

The victory marked the Cardinals’ 19th of the season and the start of a four-game ho

St.John Fisher outfielder CC Holmes celebrating with teammates and coaches after homerun in game one against Elmira College on Saturday

mestand.

Game 2: Elmira Edges Cardinals in Extras

Game two proved to be a tightly contested battle from the start. Polzella struck again in the first inning with her second home run of the day, giving Elmira an early 1–0 lead.

The Cardinals answered quickly, as Taylor Shackleton launched a game-tying home run. Isabella Maher followed with an RBI single to give St. John Fisher a brief 2–1 edge.

Elmira responded with back-to-back home runs from Teona Cruz and Kristen Cole, reclaiming a 3–2 lead. The Cardinals fought back once more, capitalizing on an Elmira fielding error and an RBI single from Maddy Schubach to tie the game at 3–3.

Neither team could break the deadlock through seven innings, sending the game into extras.

In the top of the eighth, Elmira plated the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly. The Cardinals had a chance to respond in the bottom half but were turned away by a game-ending double play, sealing the 4–3 loss.

Coach’s Perspective

Head coach Bari Mance credited Elmira’s adjustments in the second game while emphasizing the team’s growth mindset.

“In game one, we did a great job adjusting,” Mance said. “In game two, Elmira made some strong adjustments, and we just ran out of time to respond.”

She added, “We have high expectations here. When we’re not at our best, teams can take advantage. But we’ll learn from this and come back better.”

Up Next

The Cardinals return to action on Wednesday, April 15, with a doubleheader against Cortland. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m., with game two to follow at 5 p.m.