How It Happened
Rhode Island dropped a pair of competitive games in a doubleheader at Towson Saturday, coming up just short in the search for the team's first win of the spring.

Game 1 – Towson 7, Rhode Island 3
Rhode Island held a 2-0 lead heading into the bottom of the fifth inning, but Towson struck for three runs to move in front. The Tigers added four more an inning later to essentially end the game.

The Rams struck first, in the top of the fourth. Sami Villarreal led off the inning with a double and came around when Ari Castillo delivered an RBI single to center field. An inning later, Hannah DeSousa got things started with a single. With two outs, pinch hitter Vicki Viaclovsky drove in pinch runner Margaux Lesser with a single to center.

In the bottom of the inning, Towson scored three runs after two out were recorded. Chloe Poulich had a two-run single and Lauren Ringhiser scored on a wild pitch. The Tigers put the game away an inning later with a two-run double from Gracyn Houmis and a two-run home run by Nicole Kidwiler.

Game 2 – Towson 6, Rhode Island 5
Rhode Island made a late surge in the second game, rallying from a five-run deficit to get the potential tying and go-ahead runs on base in the seventh inning.

The Tigers jumped in front with three runs in the bottom of the second inning. M Lake hit a two-run double and then came around when R Penrod followed with a double of her own. Towson put another three spot on the board in the fifth inning to extend its lead to five runs.

Rhody's lone run came in the top of the third. Alex Pleasic drew a leadoff walk, and Skyler Rapuano followed with a bunt single. With two outs, Ari Castillo reached on an infield single to drive in Pleasic.

The Rams chipped away at the lead in the top of the sixth inning, scoring a pair. Rhody loaded the bases with a singles from Castillo and Vicki Viaclovsky, followed by a Susan Harrison walk. Pleasic worked her second walk of the game, forcing in pinch runner Caitlin O'Leary to make the score 6-2. Abby Fenbert reached on an infield single to plate pinch runner Margaux Lesser, but the rally ended there.

In the seventh inning, Gabi Lopez drew a one-out walk, ands Castillo launched a two-run shot, pulling URI within a run at 6-5. Erica Robles kept things going with a walk and moved to second on an infield single for Viaclovsky. However, back-to-back strikeouts ended the comeback attempt.

Inside the Box Scores

• Freshman Vicki Viaclovsky was impressive in her collegiate debut, appearing in both ends of the doubleheader. In the first game, she got her first career at-bat as a pinch hitter and came through with an RBI single. She later made her first start and was 2-for-4 in Game 2.
• Junior Ari Castillo had five hits on the day, including Rhode Island's second home run of the season. She was 5-for-7 with four runs batted in.
• Castillo has hit safely in all four games this season and has a team-best seven hits.
• Sophomore Skyler Rapuano picked up her first career hit in the second game. She also walked.
• Junior Gabi Lopez made her URI debut, starting in both games. She drew a pair of walks in Game 2.
• Sophomore Liz Lynchard gave the Rams a strong start in the opener. She pitched 4.1 innings, allowing just one run on three hits. She also struck out three batters.
• Sophomore Piper Maguire retired all five batters she faced in the second game.

What's Next
Rhode Island heads to Harrisburg, Va. to play in the James Madison Tournament. The Rams play a doubleheader against Stony Brook on Saturday, March 13, followed by a twin bill against James Madison Sunday, March 14.