Softball Shuts Down Blue Jays to Secure Non-Conference Doubleheader Sweep

THE BASICS 

Score: 
GM 1 – Salem State University 4 vs Saint Joseph Conn. 2  (GM 1) 
GM 2 – Salem State University 2 vs. Saint Joseph Conn. 0 (GM 2)

Records: 

Salem State Vikings (14-8) GM 1 
Saint Joseph Conn. Blue Jays (14-9) GM 1

Salem State Vikings (15-8) GM 2

Saint Joseph Conn. Blue Jays (14-10) GM 2

 Location: West Hartford, Connecticut 

Date: Monday April 6^th, 2026  

THE LEAD 

The Salem State University Vikings swept a non-conference doubleheader from the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) Blue Jays, earning a 4–2 victory in game one before completing the sweep with a 2–0 win in game two.

Salem State's offense set the tone early in the opener, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding an insurance run to hold off a late push from the Blue Jays. In game two, the Vikings once again struck in the opening frame and relied on dominant pitching and strong defense, limiting Saint Joseph to just one hit to secure the shutout and the sweep.

HOW IT HAPPENED (GM 1)

The Salem State Vikings wasted no time getting their offense going in a non-conference road matchup against the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) Blue Jays, plating three runs in the top of the first inning to take an early 3-0 lead. Their aggressive approach at the plate set the tone right from the start.

The Blue Jays answered in the bottom of the second inning, finding a spark offensively and pushing a run across to cut the deficit to 3-1. However, the Vikings responded with an important insurance run later in the game, extending their lead to 4-1 and regaining momentum.

The Blue Jays continued to battle, adding another run to make it a 4-2 contest and keeping the pressure on. Despite the push, the Vikings pitcher and defensive play proved to be the difference down the stretch, shutting down further scoring opportunities.

With timely hitting early and a strong finish in the field, the Vikings secured a 4-2 victory in game one of the non-conference matchup.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS (GM 1)

• Charlie Benesh would have 4 strikeouts, and only allow one earned run in 7 innings pitched to help the Vikings to win game one against the Blue Jays. 
• Alanis Toledano and Abigail LaClair would both have doubles in game one against the Blue Jays. 
• Samantha Gaona- Sullivan and Alanis Toledano would both collect an RBI in game one against the Blue Jays. 
• Abigail LaClair would lead the Vikings in RBIs against the Blue Jays with 2. 
• Alaina Giuliano and Samantha Gaona- Sullivan would both have a stolen base in game one. 

HOW IT HAPPENED (GM 2)

In game two of the non-conference doubleheader, the Salem State Vikings once again came out strong against the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) Blue Jays, striking early with two runs in the top of the first inning to take a 2-0 lead.

That early offense proved to be all the Vikings would need, as their pitching and defense took control of the game from there. Salem State's pitcher delivered a dominant performance in the circle, allowing just one hit over the course of the game while keeping the Blue Jays off the scoreboard.

Despite a few opportunities at the plate, Saint Joseph was unable to break through against the Vikings' strong defensive effort. Both teams battled in a back-and-forth, defense-heavy contest, but Salem State maintained its edge throughout.

In the end, the two first-inning runs stood as the difference, as the Vikings secured a 2-0 victory to complete the non-conference sweep of the Blue Jays.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS (GM 2)

• Gracie Martineau would allow only one hit, no runs and would strike out 4 in 7 innings pitched for the Vikings to secure the 2-0 win over the Blue Jays. 
• Abigail LaClair would have a double in game two against the Blue Jays. 
• Emma Quinn would have both RBIs in the game as well as a stolen base in game two. 
• Samantha Gaona- Sullivan, Abigail LaClair, and Emma Quinn would all have a hit in game two against the Blue Jays. 
• This would mark the 6 sweep of the season for the Vikings. 

UP NEXT

The Vikings will be back in action on Wednesday April 8^th where they will look to continue to play on the road as they travel to Maine to take on the Huskies of Southern Maine for a non-conference matchup. Opening pitch is set for 4:00pm.