Union, NJ – The Montclair State University softball team (24-16) used an early surge of runs to help them down Stockton (26-15), 6-4 on Saturday.

How It Happened

• Montclair came out of the gates hot in the bottom of the first inning. RILEIGH GLYNN was walked in the lead off. She made it all the way to third base on a stolen base and a wild pitch. LIZ MULLEN got Montclair on the board with an RBI single to left field and the game's first run. JORDYN HESTER followed up with a moon shot over the center-field fence for two more runs. After KATIE BRUNNER singled up the middle, an RBI double by MOLLY COLLIGAN kept the runs coming, and the big opening inning was capped off by an RBI single down the left field line by Julianna Casillas to give the Red Hawks a 5-0 advantage.
• Stockton clawed back from an early deficit with a four-run top of the second. They loaded the bases with three straight singles. From there, an RBI single, fielder's choice RBI, and a two-RBI single down the right field line cut the score to 5-4.
• After a scoreless second inning, Montclair collected another run in the bottom of the third inning. CARLEE IANNONE led off with a single to right field and was replaced on base by GIANNA STREPPONE. Brunner reached on a fielder's choice but Streppone reached second when she beat out the throw to second by the pitcher. Colligan batted in another run on an RBI single to right center that plated Streppone. The Red Hawks had to more runners in scoring position but could not bring them home, and the game was put at 6-4, Montclair.
•  Defense held strong between both teams, and the game remained 6-4 heading into the final inning. Stockton had an opening with two outs, they put runners on the corners after a throwing error, and a single to the pitcher put the tying run on first and the go-ahead run at home. Stockton belted one to the left field wall but Glynn made the play at the wall to earn the playoff victory.

Inside the Numbers

• Colligan led the way for Montclair, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored.
• Hester recorded two RBI on her home run while LIZ MULLEN went 2-for-4 in the contest with a run scored.
• SAGE RIZZI was the starter and notched the win. She went four innings, allowed four runs on 10 hits and struck out a batter.
• CHEYANNE WEIGAND went into the game in the fifth inning and earned the save. She pitched three shutout innings with only two hits allowed and struck out two batters.
• The Red Hawks are back to having post season success, winning its first playoff game since 2019. 

Up Next

• Montclair State will play the winner of the Kean/TCNJ game on Tuesday, May 6 down at Rowan University. They will start at 1:00 p.m.