QUEENS, N.Y. – The Butler softball team fell behind but rallied to beat St. John's by a final score of 3-2 in game two of their BIG EAST series. The Red Storm (8-27, 3-11 BIG EAST) scored a pair in the first inning and held a 2-1 lead after three. In the fourth, a Monique Hoosen home run put the Bulldogs (21-13, 9-4 BIG EAST) on top, and Karli Ricketts retired twelve straight batters to secure the win.
 
How It Happened

• St. John's took an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.
• In the second, Maddie Moore (2-3, RBI, 2B) connected on a run-scoring double, pushing Monique Hoosen (2-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, HR) across. Butler cut the Red Storm lead in half, 2-1.
• In the fourth, Hoosen sent a bomb over the center field wall, also bringing home Ella White, and giving the Bulldogs a 3-2 lead.
• In the middle of the fourth, Karli Ricketts replaced Mackenzie Griman in the circle and retired all twelve batters she faced.

Butler Pitching
Mackenzie Griman (3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K) started for Butler and threw the first three innings. Karli Ricketts (11-3) entered in the middle of the fourth and was credited with the win. She allowed no hits, runs, or walks, while striking out six.
 
Bulldog Bits

• Monique Hoosen's home run was her ninth of the season and the 12th of her career. She is now tied for fourth on Butler's all-time list for home runs in one season and is tied for tenth for career home runs.
• Ellie Boyer joined Monique Hoosen and Maddie Moore as each produced a pair of hits in the game.

Up Next
Butler remains in Queens, N.Y., to complete the BIG EAST series with St. John's. Game three is scheduled for Sunday at 11am.