Written by Andrew Capitelli (SJC-LI Sports Information)

Kissimmee, FL| Continuing play at the Rebel Spring Games in Kissimmee, FL, the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) softball team was handed a pair of losses by Thomas More College (8-6) and Defiance College (3-2) on Friday afternoon.

With the losses the Golden Eagles slip to 1-5 on the season as Thomas More improves to 6-3 and Defiance to 4-6.

Thomas More 8, SJC 6

The Saints put up four runs in the bottom of the first inning to take an early commanding lead, but an Ashley Steponaitis two-run homer in the top of the second cut SJC's deficit to two runs (4-2).

Steponaitis' RBI single in the top of the third made it a three-run game, but Thomas More posted a two-spot in the bottom half of the inning to double up SJC, 6-3.

Down 7-4 in the top of the fifth, Gabrielle Cinquemani's first home run of the season again made it a two-run game (7-5), but the Saints responded in the bottom of the sixth when Mary Beth Odom's RBI single scored Sydney Turner (8-5).

Kristen Arbiter's RBI single in the top of the seventh would score the final run of the game, but it would not be enough as St. Joseph's took the 8-6 loss.

Theresa Cardello (0-2) started on the mound for the Golden Eagles and allowed six earned runs in 3.0 innings. Sandra Foster saw 3.0 innings of work and allowed two earned runs on four hits.

Defiance 3, SJC 2

After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first, Madeline Sganga's RBI single in the bottom of the second scored Cinquemani to knot the game up at one.

Defiance's Jess Mello advanced home on an SJC error in the top of the third (2-1), but again the Golden Eagles responded to tie the game, this time when Jillian McFadzen scored Valerie Scura with an RBI single.

The game's winning run would come in the top of the fifth inning when Defiance's Megan Warren scored Kaity Kuhn with an RBI double.

Lauren Buturla (0-3) was handed the start for SJC and struck out two batters while allowing five hits in the contest.

The Golden Eagles continue play at the Rebel Spring Games tomorrow, March 11, when they face Ramapo and Cornell College at 11:15am and 1:30pm, respectively.