TAMPA, Fla. – Loyola Chicago secured its second win of the season, a 2-1 victory over St. John's on Friday, Feb. 14 at The Fonseca Memorial Tournament, to mark head coach
Alicia Abbott's 100th career win in the Maroon and Gold before the Ramblers fell, 9-1, to South Florida in the afternoon game.
"Our mindset tomorrow is figuring out how to step on the field and know we can win, not just compete, but win. The plan is to show up with the urgency to score early and often, make the diving play, and stay aggressive on the bases," said Abbott.
Game One: Loyola 2, St. John's 1
The Ramblers used a late-game rally in the bottom of the seventh to move past the Red Storm and earn their first win in the tournament. With Loyola trailing, 1-0, heading into the final frame, freshman Ali Pawlowicz reached first on an error to open the inning and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by
Addyson Jones. A wild pitch advanced Pawlowicz to third, setting up a clutch at-bat from
Abby Johnson, who delivered a game-tying RBI single. The ball was misplayed in the outfield, allowing Johnson to advance to third and moments later,
Haley Wallace drove in the winning run with a single to center, sealing Loyola's comeback. The Ramblers' pitching was stellar throughout the game, as senior
Andie Broniewicz (2-0) tossed a complete-game gem, allowing just two hits and one earned run while striking out five batters.
Inside the Box Score
- Loyola finished with five hits, including a two-hit performance from Johnson.
- Wallace added an RBI and a stolen base.
- The Ramblers played error-free defense for the third time this season.
Game Two: Loyola 1, South Florida 9
USF's offense exploded early, scoring four runs in the first inning, while Loyola managed one run, which came in the fourth inning when Pawlowicz tripled for
Nat Lesnicki to score on a groundout.
Peyton Pepkowski (0-4) took the loss, allowing four runs over three innings. The Bulls put the game away with a five-run fourth frame.
Inside the Box Score
Up Next
Loyola is back in action tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 15 against Penn State at 8 a.m. CT with its second game to be announced.