WASHINGTON - The relentless cold wind blew through the GU Softball Complex on a clear but frigid Tuesday evening as Gallaudet University played host to New York University in a non-conference doubleheader. The visiting Violets swept the twin bill with 6-2 and 12-4 victories. The second game ended by the eight-run mercy rule after the sixth inning.

Gallaudet (2-4) had its chances in the first game against NYU (4-6) as the Bison scored twice in the bottom of the fifth inning but missed an opportunity to take the lead. GU loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth with no outs before the bottom of the line-up stepped to the plate. NYU secured a quick strikeout and walked in a run before getting the Bison to ground out, twice, to end the threat. 

NYU broke the 2-2 tie in the top of the sixth with four runs off GU starting pitcher Christina Elsbury (Uniontown, Ohio). The Violets scored four runs off four hits and one walk.

GU left runners on base in the bottom of the sixth and seventh innings as the Violets hung on for the four-run victory, 6-2.

NYU starting pitcher Karleigh Kluever (3-1) picked up the complete game win with nine strikeouts while Elsbury (1-2) took the loss with two punch outs. 

In the second game, the temperatures continued to plummet as did Gallaudet's offense as the Bison were held hitless until the bottom of the sixth inning down 12-1 to the Violets.

Gallaudet was able to push across three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning as NYU starting pitcher Jessie Werthman (1-2) lost control and coughed up three runs on one hit, three walks, two wild pitches and one hit batter. NYU made a pitching change to secure the last out as GU had runners on first and second base.

Elsbury recorded GU's only hit, an infield hit to second base, while sophomore Lacey Drolsbaugh (Lansdale, Pa.) scored twice for the Bison and took the loss for the home team in the circle.

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Gallaudet will welcome Cairn University (1-9) to campus this Friday, March 22, at 3 p.m. for a non-conference doubleheader.