Union, NJ – The Montclair State softball closed out its NJAC schedule on Saturday with a doubleheader loss at Kean University. The Red Hawks (13-21, 5-13 NJAC) fell 3-2 in the opener before dropping an 8-1 decision in the second contest.

In the opener, Montclair took a 1-0 lead on the fourth pitch of the game as sophomore centerfielder LAUREN GUILLEN belted her third home run of the year on an opposite-field shot over the left field fence. The Cougars would answer in their half of the inning as Alexis D'Aloisio singled home Emily Sabo knotting the game at 1-1.

The Red Hawks regained the lead in the third manufacturing a two-out run. NOEL HODGINS reached on an error which allowed her to go to second. She went to third on a passed ball and scored as BROOKE POWERS singled to right field giving MSU the 2-1 advantage.

Once again the Cougars answered this time with two runs to take the lead for good. An error allowed the tying run to score and a RBI double by Bissonnette put Kean in front 3-2.

Montclair would get two chances to tie the game. A pair of base hits by TINA CIACCIARELLI and SOPHIA IVEZAJ to open the fifth put runners on first and second however Kean's Courtney Yard fanned the next two. The Cougars then elected to walk Powers to load the bases, a move that paid off when Yard induced a pop up to end the inning.

In the seventh, Ivezaj reached on a fielding error with one out and pinch runner Jeanine Karnilla went to third as Guillen doubled to left center. However, Yard got the pitcher's best friend – a 'round the horn double play to end the game as the Cougars took the opener.

Yard got the victory as she struck out 11 with one walk and allowed six hits. Powers, who was 2-for-2 at the plate took the loss giving up eight hits and three runs. She struck out one.

Montclair State would get the early lead in the second game as MELISSA RUSTEMEYER lofted a sacrifice fly in the second inning that scored BRIANNA DAVIDSON. Kean would score twice in the bottom of the inning to take the lead and then added a run in the third, three in the fourth and two more in the sixth for the final margin.

Powers had rwo of MSU's eight hits in the game as she suffered her second loss on the day (11-17). Davidson went 3-for-3.

MSU will play one final doubleheader in the 2015 season Tuesday, April 28 when it hosts DeSales University at the MSU Softball Stadium beginning at 3:00 pm. It will be Senior Day as the Red Hawks will honor their four seniors – MELANY ZELLER, Davidson, Rustemeyer and SAM CAMACHO.