Clermont, Florida – The Montclair State softball team (1-1) opened its 2025 season in the Sunshine State, falling to Alfred University (2-0) by a score of 7-2 before bouncing back with a 9-3 victory over Saint Joseph's Maine for an opening-day split.
Game 1: Montclair State vs. Alfred
How It Happened
- The Red Hawks fell behind early when an error in a bases-loaded situation allowed two runs to score, giving Alfred a 2-0 lead in the first inning.
- Montclair responded in the bottom half of the inning when LIZ MULLEN walked and stole second. A throwing error on the steal attempt allowed Mullen to race home, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
- Alfred extended its lead in the fourth inning with a two-run homer over the left-field fence, making it 4-1. The Saxons added three more runs in the fifth on a sacrifice fly and another two-run home run to left, pushing their advantage to 7-1.
- The Red Hawks got one back in the sixth when CARLEE IANNONE led off with a walk and advanced to third on a double down the left-field line by JULIANA CASILLAS. DYLAN BOLES brought Iannone home with a sacrifice fly to center, trimming the lead to 7-2.
- Montclair looked poised for a rally in the seventh as Mullen led off with a double and AVERY MOCHRIE drew a walk. However, three consecutive outs ended the comeback attempt, sealing the win for Alfred.
Inside the Numbers
- Montclair recorded four hits, one each from SOPHIA ALONSO, Mullen, Casillas, and Iannone. Mullen and Casillas each tallied an extra-base hit.
- The Red Hawks were aggressive on the base paths, stealing four bases in their opener.
- SAGE RIZZI took the loss in her first start of the season, pitching 4.2 innings and allowing seven runs (six earned) on seven hits while striking out two. BROOKE BIAMONTE provided solid relief, surrendering just one hit to five batters faced.
Game 2: Montclair State vs. Saint Joseph's Maine
How It Happened
- The Monks struck first with a sacrifice fly in the top of the first inning to take a 1-0 lead.
- Montclair responded immediately with a four-run bottom of the first. RILEIGH GLYNN walked and stole second before scoring on an RBI single from Boles. Boles then stole second and came home on an RBI triple from Iannone. Mullen reached on an error that allowed Iannone to score, and a stolen base attempt by Mullen led to another defensive miscue, enabling her to round the bases for a 4-1 Red Hawks lead.
- After a few scoreless innings, Saint Joseph's added a run in the fifth on another sacrifice fly, narrowing the gap to 4-2.
- Montclair broke the game open in the bottom of the fifth with a five-run outburst. Boles ripped a two-run double to right-center, followed by an error on Mullen's at-bat that allowed both Boles and PAIGE SCHEID (pinch-running for Iannone) to score. A sacrifice fly from Zebick plated Mullen, extending the lead to 9-2.
- The Monks pushed across a run in the seventh on an RBI single up the middle, but a strikeout and a pop-up to shortstop ended the game, giving Montclair its first win of the season.
Inside the Numbers
- Boles was a standout performer, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored.
- MOLLY COLLIGAN also went 2-for-3, including a double.
- The Red Hawks' bats came alive, totaling eight hits, with four going for extra bases.
- CHEYANNE WEIGAND earned the complete-game win, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out one and walking two.
From the Diamond
Up Next
Montclair State returns to action tomorrow evening with games against Lake Forest at 4:15 p.m. and SUNY Poly at 6:30 p.m.
