How It Happened
Rhode Island (1-10) played a pair of competitive games on the final day of the Owl Classic in Boca Raton, Fla., but the Rams came up empty in both contests.

Game 1 – Columbia 4, Rhode Island 2
Columbia broke through with three runs in the bottom of the third. Jaden Hill led off with a triple and scored when Cami Neal grounded out. The Lions loaded the bases with two walks and a single. After a strikeout, Sarah Mikami delivered a two-out, two-run single.

Rhode Island chipped into the lead with a pair of solo home runs. Kylie Bulinski led off the top of the fourth with a blast to leftfield. Leilyn Alvarez delivered a solo shot of her own to start the top of the sixth. Unfortunately, the Rams could not get another run across.

Game 2 – FAU 1, Rhode Island 0 (8 inn.)
The lone run of the game came in walk-off fashion, as Jesiana Mora delivered a run-scoring single to rightfield to drive in Kamryn Jackson and lift FAU to the win. Jackson opened the inning on second base in accordance with extra-inning rules.
 
Vale-Cruz (0-3) was outstanding despite taking the loss. She pitched her first complete game, allowing no earned runs while scattering six hits and a pair of walks. She also struck out a pair.

Unfortunately, the Rams could not generate any scoring against Trinity Schlotterbeck. The graduate student allowed four hits, all singles, while striking out four in a complete-game effort. The Rams were 0-for-7 against her with runners in scoring position.

Inside the Box Scores

• Leilyn Alvarez had three hits on the day. She homered, singled and scored one run against Columbia, then added a single against Florida Atlantic.
• Kylie Bulinski homered, doubled, walked and scored once in the first game.
• Cassie Swenson singled and in the opener, then drew a pair of walks in the second game.
• She had a sacrifice bunt in each game, giving her 19 for her career. She moved into a tie for fifth place in program history.
• Hannah Hernandez singled three times on the day, with two coming against FAU.
• Elena Gonzalez singled, walked and stole two bases on the day.
• Maddie Melice started against Columbia and delivered a single.
• Natalie Maleitzke singled and was hit by a pitch against FAU.
• Liz Lynchard had six strikeouts and allowed just one run over 3.2 innings of work against Columbia.

What's Next
Rhode Island will travel to the Cathi Maynard Invitational, hosted by Austin Peay from March 8-10. The Rams will play Akron and the hosts twice each, and once against Bradley. Before coming home, Rhody will visit Tennessee Tech for a doubleheader on March 12.