Kissimmee, FL – The Montclair State University softball team split a pair of contests to conclude their 10-game slate at The Spring Games on Friday.
The Red Hawks narrowly fell to Simpson College 4-3 before taking down Suffolk University 10-4 in the nightcap. Montclair will return to New Jersey with a record of 5-5 heading into their home opener on Tuesday, March 19.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Red Hawks fell behind early to Simpson, as the Storm brought in two runs in the top of the first inning on a double down the left field line. Montclair quickly answered in the frame, as RILEIGH GLYNN singled to left field to lead off the inning. Glynn stole second during the next at-bat, and later came around to score following a throwing error on a fielder's choice.
- After the Storm put their leadoff hitter on base with a double down the left field line, they were able to add their third run of the contest following a throwing error on a sacrifice bunt.
- Montclair rallied in the sixth, loading the bases for MARIAH CARRASCO, who singled to left center to drive in two runs to level the contest at three. The Storm were able to turn a double play and generated a pop-up to center to end the rally.
- Simpson reclaimed the lead in the top of the seventh, as an RBI single to left center brought in a runner from third. The Red Hawks hit back-to-back singles to lead off the bottom of the frame, but Simpson was able to escape with the victory.
- The Red Hawks started strong in the second game, as MOLLY COLLIGAN singled to right center to drive in a run in the top of the first. Montclair added two more in the second to go up 3-0 on the Rams.
- Montclair continued the surge in the fourth inning, plating three more runs. With runners on second and third, MARIAH CARRASCO scored on a wild pitch, and LIZ MULLEN later came home on a passed ball during the next at-bat. Glynn reached on a fielder's choice with NOELLE WOOD scored on an error by the pitcher.
- After the Red Hawks doubled their advantage, Suffolk answered with a run in the bottom of the fourth on a groundout that brought a runner in from third.
- The Rams added another in the following inning, but Montclair put the game away in the sixth with three more runs. STEPHANIE SERETIS doubled to right center, scoring Glynn, and two more Red Hawks came in to score later in the inning as CHLOE SAPERSTEIN reached on an error.
- Suffolk tallied their fourth run of the contest in the seventh, but could not push any further.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Montclair collected a season-high 11 hits against Suffolk, marking the fourth time this season the Red Hawks have recorded double-digit hit totals.
- Carrasco finished with four hits on the day, two coming in each contest. They marked the first two multi-hit games of her career.
- Glynn tallied a game-high three hits against Simpson, setting a new season-high.
- SAGE RIZZI threw a complete game against Simpson, striking out two. ALI CAVALLARO threw three scoreless against Suffolk, with Seretis earning the victory with four innings pitched.
FROM THE FIELD
"Our pitchers continue to excel in the circle. I was happy to see the bats wake up in game two. We had a much better plate approach and attacked early on. It will be great to get back home and make the adjustments before conference play." - Interim Head Coach Nicole Degenhardt
UP NEXT
The Red Hawks will host Hunter College in a doubleheader to open their 2024 home slate on Tuesday, March 19. First pitch from MSU Softball Stadium is scheduled for 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.