STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Mount Saint Mary College junior Michael Morelli (Washingtonville, N.Y.) continued to swing a hot bat, but the Knights still lost in non-conference action on Wednesday, falling to the College of Staten Island by a final score of 12-8.  The Knights drop back to 10-8 on the season.

MSMC got on the board first, thanks to a solo home run from Morelli in the top of the second.  Staten Island answered with six runs, though, taking early control of the game.

The Knights added two in the third on RBI singles from sophomore Thomas McNoble (Breezy Point, N.Y.) and Morelli, but the Dolphins matched the Mount and led 8-3 after three.

The teams traded runs once again in the fourth with a pair of scoreless frames to ensue.  Staten Island opened up a comfortable cushion with three runs in the seventh and led 12-4.

Freshman Anthony Licata (Franklin Square, N.Y.) drove home a run in the eighth with a single to left-center, but the Knights would leave a pair of runners on base and trailed 12-5 headed to the ninth.  With two runners on, Morelli doubled to right-center, plating both to make it 12-7.  Then, with two outs, sophomore Vinnie Carminati (Huntington, N.Y.) singled to right, allowing Morelli to score from third.  Unfortunately, the rally would end there as Licata struck out to end the contest.

Morelli finished 4-for-4 at the dish with four RBIs and a pair of runs scored.  Carminati also came away with a pair of hits (2-for-5) to go along with a run and an RBI.

Up next for the Knights is a home Skyline date with Yeshiva University.  A double-header is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, at Dutchess Stadium.  First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m.