April 9, 2003

Providence College Friars (8-10): The Providence College softball team hosts in-state rival Rhode Island in a non-conference double header. Providence was most recently in action on Sunday, April 6 as they were defeated, 10-2 and 10-6, by Syracuse. Freshman Elena Romero (Chulz Vista, Calif.) went four for seven with three RBI to lead the Friars. She also hit her first collegiate home run in the first game of the double header. Sophomore Jackie Karsnia (Spring, Texas) extended her hitting streak to nine games as she got one hit in each game. She is second on the team in hitting with a .364 batting average. Karsnia is behind Romero who leads the team with a .386 average. Romero also leads the team in hits (22), runs batted in (12), and slugging percentage (.544). On the mound, the trio of senior Melissa Peterson (Huntington Beach, Calif.), junior Cori Van Dusen (Riverside, Calif.), and sophomore Nicole Bartholomew (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) have a combined ERA of 3.53, while opponents are batting .241 against them. Last season, Providence hosted Rhode Island and split a double header with the Rams. The Friars won the first game, 1-0, then were defeated by the Rams, 3-2, in the second game.

University of Rhode Island Rams (10-11): The Rams travel to Providence, R.I. to face the Friars having lost three-consecutive games. Their most recent action came on Sunday, April 6 at home when they were swept in a double header by St. Joseph's, 2-1 and 4-0. Rhode Island junior Gabby Zagami (Plantation, Fla.) went three for four in the first game and added another hit in the second game to lead the Rams. On the season, senior Kristin Havdoglous (North Babylon, N.Y.) leads Rhode Island in many categories including batting average (.407), runs scored (seven), runs batted run (seven), and home runs (two). On the mound, the Rams are led by freshman Jenna Thurston (Swansea, Mass.) who, in 14 appearances (nine starts), has a 7-2 record with a .071 ERA. Rhode Island has been victorious in two of the last three meetings with Providence.