Box Score Sack Knocks In Two Runs; Casalino Tosses Two-Hitter
Yale will take a bunch of positive momentum into this weekend's Ivy League series with Princeton. Francesca Casalino pitched a two-hit shutout, and Madison Sack knocked in two runs as the Bulldogs cruised to an 8-0, 5-inning victory over Quinnipiac in the third annual Chris' Game at the QU Softball Field.
Casalino also contributed two hits at the plate, including a double, and drew a walk.
"I was so proud of Francesca today – offensively and in the circle," said Jen Goodwin. "She really had her stuff and kept the QU hitters off balance. Defensively we made some solid plays when we needed them."
Yale outhit the Bobcats 9-2.
"As a team, we had a really good couple of days hitting [in practice], so seeing us attack the ball today was great," Goodwin said.
Annie Tarte was one of three Bulldogs with two hits.
Yale started the scoring in the second. After Casalino walked, Giovy Webb reached on a fielder's choice. Webb took second on a passed ball and moved to third on a wild pitch. Sack then rifled a shot that deflected off the centerfielder's glove, allowing Webb to score.
The Bulldogs then broke it open with a four-run third. Sydney Grobman drew a walk and Carlin Hagmaier walked to set the table. Casalino followed with a double to center that scored Grobman. Webb then singled to center. Hagmaier scored easily, and Casalino also came around to score when the ball was misplayed by the centerfielder. Phylicia Wilkov added an RBI single to cap the scoring.
Yale added three more in the fourth. Shelby Kennedy walked and Tarte singled to start the rally. The two later executed a double steal with Kennedy swiping home to plate the first run. Hagmaier added a sacrifice fly and Sack and RBI single in the inning.
Chris' Game honors the memory of Chris Labbadia, who was tragically killed in a car accident in 2016. His sister, Brittany Labbadia '16, played at Yale, while his parents, Lynn and Rocco Labbadia, are both currently assistant coaches at Quinnipiac and also great friends of Yale's program.
Chris passed away in a single-car accident not far from his home after returning a wallet to a friend that left it behind. He lost his life after engaging in one final act of kindness, and his family asks supporters to perform acts of kindness for others to honor Chris.
Prior to the start of the game, there were announcements and a ceremony in Chris' honor. After the game, Rocco and Lynn selected a player of the game for each team. Casalino was the selection from Yale.
"Chris' game carries a lot of meaning between our two programs," Goodwin said. "There is a lot of emotion pregame and then we have a perspective moment, play loose and enjoy the game. We play best in those circumstances and are looking to carry this feeling into the weekend."
Yale and Princeton play a three-game series this weekend.
Report filed by Tim Bennett (timothy.bennett@yale.edu), Yale Sports Publicity
