Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State University softball team (22-10, 8-4 NJAC) seized two wins from New Jersey City (15-15, 2-10 NJAC) in NJAC doubleheader action, 8-0 (5 Inns.) and 9-5 on Tuesday evening.

Game 1

How It Happened

• After a pair of scoreless innings, Montclair got things going in the bottom of the third inning. MOLLY COLLIGAN led off with a double to left field. She stole third on a Maddie Leech walk, and Leech stole second to put themselves in scoring position. A ground out put the first out on the board, but began the scoring frenzy for the Red Hawks. A passed ball scored Colligan and sent Leech to third for SOPHIA ALONSO to bring her home on an RBI single up the middle. Alonso stole second, and LIZ MULLEN got on base on a single for JORDYN HESTER, who notched an RBI single that plated Alonso. SOPHIE SCHNEIDER came in to pinch run for Hester, and both completed their trips around the bases when ABIGAIL ZEBICK grounded out, but got an RBI to score Mullen, and KATIE BRUNNER plated Schneider on an RBI single up the middle. All the runs counted towards a 5-0 lead for Montclair.
• NJCU's best opportunity to make waves was when they led off with a double in the top of the fourth inning, but Montclair was able to turn a double play on the next at-bat and halted any advances.
• The Red Hawks had a chance to win in the bottom of the fifth with the eight-run rule that forces a mercy rule and they delivered. RILEIGH GLYNN opened the frame with a single through the right side and stole second. After a walk put Alonso on base, Mullen loaded them with a bunt single right at home plate. Hester came through with a two-RBI ball through the right side that sent home both Glynn and Alonso and put Mullen on third. CARLEE IANNONE pinch hit and delivered the final run of the game on an RBI single through the left side, and Montclair sealed game one, 8-0.

Inside the Numbers

• Hester was the hot hand for Montclair, batting 2-for-3 and tallying three RBI in the game.
• Alonso and Mullen each collected a hit and crossed home plate twice in the game.
• SAGE RIZZI delivered another win to improve her record to 8-4 on the year. She pitched five shutout innings and allowed only four hits, and struck out two batters.

Game 2

How It Happened

• Facing two outs in the bottom of the first, Mullen singled through the left side and stole second. Hester kept the bat hot from game one and singled up the middle for an RBI as Mullen sprinted her way home for the game's opening run.
• Montclair extended the lead by a pair of runs in the bottom of the third inning. After Glynn grounded out, Alonso was hit by a pitch to put her on first. A sacrifice bunt by Mullen moved her to second, and it was once again Hester, who belted a ball into center field for an RBI double. GIANNA STREPPONE pinch ran for Hester and advanced to third on a single through the left side by Julianna Casillas. KATIE BRUNNER swung first pitch and rocketed a ball over the pitcher's head and through the legs of the second baseman for an RBI single and plated Streppone. The inning ended with Montclair holding a 3-0 edge.
• Having been shut out for nearly 10 innings on the day, New Jersey City put together a big top of the fifth inning. They loaded the bases on a single to left field and two walks, and scored two runs on a single to left field. It was then immediately followed by a deep ball that smacked the left field post for a three-run homer, and swiftly the Gothic Knights were on top, 5-3.
• The Jersey City lead did not last long, however, with Montclair responding in the bottom of the frame. Alonso singled up the middle and advanced on a wild pitch. She was immediately sent home on an RBI double by Mullen. Hester was walked and replaced on base by AVERY MOCHRIE. Casillas hit into a fielder's choice that saw Mullen get tagged at third but moved Mochrie to second. At a tied score with one out, Brunner placed a ball into left field for an RBI single and scored Mochrie to regain the lead for the Red Hawks, 6-5.
• In the bottom of the sixth, Montclair got the insurance runs they needed to hold a comfortable lead. Colligan opened the half inning with a single up the middle, and was followed by a bunt single by Leech. Glynn advanced both runners, and Alonso notched a sacrifice fly to center field to plate Colligan. That scored run was followed by an RBI from Mullen on a double to left field and an RBI single to left field by Mochrie to push the score out to 9-5.
• In the final inning, the Gothic Knights threatened with two runners on with a reach on an error and a single through the left side, but they lined into a double play forced by Colligan to Casillas. The Red Hawk defense forced the final out on the next at-bat and completed the sweep.

Inside the Numbers

• Mullen, Hester, and Brunner each led with two RBI in game two. Mullen was 3-for-3 and had two doubles and two runs scored. Hester was 2-for-2 and finished the day with five RBI between both games. Brunner also hit 2-for-2 and totaled three RBI on the evening.
• CHEYANNE WEIGAND got the start and pitched 4.2 innings. She allowed four runs on seven hits and struck out two batters.
• BROOKE BIAMONTE entered in relief for the win with 1.1 innings pitched. She allowed a run on two hits and struck out a batter.
• Rizzi saw her second appearance of the day when she closed the game out in the seventh and allowed one hit.
• "Home Sweet Home" has been a perfect phrase for the Red Hawks this season. They currently hold a 15-1 record this season at MSU Softball Stadium, and with still two home doubleheaders left, they have collected their most home wins since 2019 when they sported an 18-4 at home.

Up Next

• Montclair State remains home and will host Kean for an important NJAC doubleheader on Saturday, April 19. The first game is slated for 1:00 p.m.