Softball Splits Doubleheader with Monks, Rally for Walk-Off Win in Game Two
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Saint Joseph's (Me.) | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 0 |
|
Salem St. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Final (8) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Saint Joseph's (Me.) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 1 |
|
Salem St. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
THE BASICS
Score:
GM 1 – Salem State University 3 vs Saint Joseph's College 4 (GM 1)
GM 2 – Salem State University 4 vs. Saint Joseph's College 3 (GM 2 in 8 innings)
Records:
Salem State Vikings (7-5) GM 1
Saint Joseph's College (5-8) GM 2
Salem State Vikings (8-5) GM 2
Saint Joseph's College (5-9) GM 2
Location: Alumni Field: Salem, MA
Date: Wednesday March 25, 2026
THE LEAD
The Salem State softball team returned home from its Florida spring break trip and earned a split in its first doubleheader back. The Vikings dropped a close 4–3 decision to the Saint Joseph's College Monks in game one, despite a late push, but showed resilience in game two. Salem State bounced back in thrilling fashion, battling into extra innings before securing a 4–3 walk-off victory to cap an exciting day.
HOW IT HAPPENED (GM 1)
The Salem State Vikings battled hard but ultimately fell just short in a 4–3 loss to the Saint Joseph's College Monks in game one of the double header.
It was the Monks who came out swinging early, jumping on the Vikings with a strong offensive showing in the top of the first inning. Saint Joseph's plated three runs to take an early 3–0 lead before Salem State was able to settle in defensively and record the final outs of the frame.
Looking to respond, the Vikings tried to generate offense off the bats, but the Monks' defense held firm in the field. Behind solid play in the field and a composed performance in the circle, Saint Joseph's kept Salem State off the scoreboard through the early innings.
The Monks added to their lead in the top of the second inning, scoring one more run to extend their lead 4-0.
Salem State continued to battle at the plate, and their breakthrough came in the bottom of the fourth inning. Ellie Kleinheinz delivered the big moment for the Vikings, launching a three-run home run to cut the deficit to 4–3 and swing the momentum back in Salem State's favor.
From there, the Vikings tightened up defensively, holding the Monks scoreless for the remainder of the game. Despite continued efforts at the plate, however, Salem State was unable to push across the tying run.
Saint Joseph's held on down the stretch to secure the 4–3 victory, taking game one over the Vikings.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS (GM 1)
- Ellie Kleinheinz would hit her first career homerun as a Viking against the Monks.
- Gracie Martineau would record 11 strikeouts against the Monks in the circle.
HOW IT HAPPENED (GM 2)
The Salem State Vikings showed resilience and determination, rallying for a thrilling 4–3 walk-off victory over the Saint Joseph's College Monks in extra innings to split the doubleheader.
The game opened as a defensive battle, with both teams locked in through the first three innings. Strong play in the field and effective pitching on both sides kept runs off the board, as hits were limited and neither team could find early momentum.
The Monks broke through first in the top of the third inning, capitalizing on an opportunity to score the game's first run and take a 1–0 lead. Salem State responded with solid contact at the plate in the following innings, but Saint Joseph's defense remained steady, preventing the Vikings from converting hits into runs.
The Vikings finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth inning. With timely hitting and persistence at the plate, Salem State pushed across the tying run to even the score at 1–1 and shift the energy in their favor.
Both teams held firm in the seventh inning, with neither side allowing a run, sending the game into extra innings.
In the top of the eighth, the Monks regained control, scoring two runs to take a 3–1 lead. Facing a two-run deficit, the Vikings needed a late surge—and delivered.
Salem State sparked a rally in the bottom of the eighth inning, putting together a clutch offensive surge. With runners on and pressure mounting, the Vikings delivered a series of key hits to plate three runs, completing a dramatic comeback and securing a 4–3 walk-off victory.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS (GM 2)
- Paige Souza would single up the middle to score Giana Johnson for the winning walk off run in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Monks.
- Giana Johanson would hit the only double for the Vikings in the win against the Monks.
- Giana Johanson, Ellie Kleinheinz, and Paige Souza would all have RBIs in the win against the Monks.
- Samantha Gaona- Sullivan, Isabelle Besser, Abigail LaClair and Giana Johanson would all have runs in the win against the Monks.
- Paige Souza and Allison Frost would both have stolen bases against the Monks.
- Charlie Benesh would have 4 strikeouts, while only allowing 2 earned runs in 8 innings pitched to help secure the win against the Monks.
UP NEXT
The Vikings will be back in action Saturday March 28th, 2026 where they look to travel to Bourne, MA to take on the Buccaneers of Mass. Maritime for a double header. Opening pitch is set for 12:00pm.