BELLEROSE, N.Y. – The Lehman College softball team continued its run of hard luck, dropping a doubleheader to St. Joseph's College of Brooklyn. Lehman led Game One before falling 13-12, then lost Game Two, 5-3.

In the opener, the Lightning bats finally came alive, pounding out 15 hits. Lehman led 7-1 after two and a half innings, and 12-4 after four full innings of play. The host Bears (5-7) then scored three runs in the fifth, two in the sixth, then had a walk-off, bases loaded triple with two outs in the bottom of the seventh to earn the win.

For Lehman (0-9), seven starters all had base hits, led by first baseman Ashley Williams (Bronx, N.Y./Bronx Leadership) and short stop Janet Ortiz (Shady Hills, Fla./River Ridge), who each had three hits. Williams added three RBI and a run scored, while Ortiz had one RBI, and scored twice. Center fielder Jelsey Cox (Queens Village, N.Y./Campus Magnet) had a pair of hits, and drove in a team-high four runs, while scoring twice herself.

In the second game, SJC led 5-1 heading into the sixth inning, where the Lightning rallied. The first two batters reached base safely, bringing Ortiz up to the plate. Ortiz ripped a double to right, sending both runners home. Jelsey Cox was up next, who lofted a fly ball to right field. Ortiz tagged up as the ball was caught, then raced home, only to be cut down by the relay throw.

In the game, Ortiz collected three more hits, with the two RBI. Cox and Sheila San Andres (Woodhaven, N.Y./Construction Trades) each had a pair of hits in the losing effort.

Lehman will return home for a pair on mid-week doubleheaders, hosting the College of Mt. St. Mary on Wednesday, and SUNY Old Westbury on Thursday.

,