Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State softball team (10-6) completed its third-straight doubleheader sweep at MSU Softball Stadium when they downed Neumann by scores of 11-3 (6 Inns.) and 9-4.
Game 1
How It Happened
- Montclair struck first in the bottom of the first inning. LIZ MULLEN walked, stole second, and scored on a JORDYN HESTER RBI single to left field, giving the Red Hawks a 1-0 lead.
- In the bottom of the second, MOLLY COLLIGAN singled through the left side, and MADISON LEECH followed with a bunt single for her first hit of the season. An error on the throw allowed Colligan to reach third. Both runners scored when SOPHIA ALONSO belted a two-RBI triple to right-center, extending the lead to 3-0.
- Neumann got on the board in the top of the fourth with a triple followed by an RBI single to right field, narrowing the gap to 3-1.
- Montclair responded with a four-run bottom half. KATIE BRUNNER singled, followed by another single from Colligan. After a sacrifice bunt advanced both runners, Alonso smacked her second two-RBI triple of the game to left-center. Mullen then brought Alonso home with an RBI double to right field before CARLEE IANNONE singled up the middle to drive in Mullen, pushing the lead to 7-1.
- The Knights added two runs in the fifth on an RBI single to third base and an RBI double to left field, making it 7-3.
- Montclair closed out the game in the bottom of the sixth, triggering the mercy rule with an RBI single to right by Mullen, an RBI single through the left side by Iannone, and a two-RBI single to left by Hester, sealing the 11-3 victory.
Inside the Numbers
- Hester led the offense, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs.
- Alonso continued her impressive season with two triples, accounting for four RBIs. She leads the NJAC with four triples this season.
- Mullen and Colligan each scored three runs. Mullen went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while Colligan finished 2-for-2. Mullen leads the NJAC with a .595 batting average.
- SAGE RIZZI pitched a complete game, going six innings, allowing three runs on six hits, and striking out four batters to earn her fourth win of the season.
Game 2
How It Happened
- Montclair jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning. Alonso led off with a single, stole second and third, and scored on a Mullen RBI single up the middle. Mullen stole second and advanced to third on an Iannone groundout. Hester reached on a throwing error, allowing Mullen to score. A DYLAN BOLES double put Hester on third, and a fielding error in the outfield allowed Hester to score. Colligan, who reached on the error, then executed a double steal with Boles, scoring another run. A sacrifice fly by JAYLA VASQUEZ brought Colligan home, capping the explosive inning.
- The Red Hawks extended their lead to 8-0 in the second with a three-run frame, highlighted by an RBI triple from Mullen, an RBI single from Iannone, and an RBI single up the middle by AVERY MOCHRIE. An RBI single by ABIGAIL ZEBICK in the third made it 9-0.
- Neumann staved off the mercy rule in the fifth, scoring two runs after an error and two walks loaded the bases. An RBI single and a fielder's choice kept them alive at 9-2.
- The Knights added another run in the sixth on an RBI single up the middle and then capitalized on an error in the seventh to bring the score to 9-4. However, Montclair secured the sweep with a final out on a fly ball to Mochrie.
Inside the Numbers
- Mullen and Boles both had strong offensive performances, going 3-for-4. Mullen also led the team with two RBIs.
- Alonso continued her hot streak, going 2-for-4 and scoring three runs.
- CHEYANNE WEIGAND improved to 4-1, pitching five innings, allowing two unearned runs on five hits, and striking out one. BELLA BUCY provided two innings of relief, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out one.
From the Diamond
Up Next
Montclair State remains at home for a doubleheader on Tuesday, March 25, against FDU-Florham. The first game is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
