Box Score Union, NJ – The Montclair State University softball team (24-17) fought hard and forced extra innings but ultimately suffered a 6-2 extra-inning defeat at the hands of Kean (22-21) in nine innings on Thursday evening.

How It Happened

• Kean got themselves on the board first with ____ runs on a RBI singles through the left side and up the middle that gave them a 2-0 lead in the top of the first.
• Montclair cut the deficit to 2-1 in the bottom of the frame. SOPHIA ALONSO put a bunt single down for the first hit. She stole second, and the throw to catch her went into the outfield and got passed the centerfielder and allowed Alonso to round all the way home for their first run.
• The Cougars threatened in the top of the second. They loaded the bases on singles through the right side and to the shortstop and reached on a hit by pitch. The Red Hawks were able to work their way out of trouble and get the outs they needed to keep the score, 2-1.
• The Red Hawks put together a strong showing in the bottom of the fourth. LIZ MULLEN led off with a bunt single, and JORDYN HESTER was walked on the following at-bat. The Cougars held them off, however, and kept the narrow lead.
• After a scoreless few innings, Montclair once threatened in the bottom of the sixth inning. Alonso was walked in the lead-off and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Mullen. Alonso, this time, was able to round all the way home on an RBI single from CARLEE IANNONE to tie the contest up 2-2 going into the final inning of regulation.
• In the top of the seventh, Kean led off with a bunt single and moved the runner all the way over on a sacrifice bunt and a ground out. A fly ball went out to left field, where RILEIGH GLYNN just got under it to avoid falling behind in the score heading into the bottom of the seventh.
• With one out, Julianna Casillas got on first with a single through the left side. Glynn got on base with a single of her own through the left side, but both were left stranded, and the game went to extra innings.
• After a scoreless eighth inning, Kean found the runs they needed to take a comfortable lead. With two outs, a batter was walked and stole a base to put a runner in scoring position. A double into the right center gap put them ahead and was followed by a two-run homer over the centerfield fence for a 5-2 lead. After a few more batters got on base, an RBI single through the left side to add one more run to give Kean a 6-2 edge. They eventually retired the side and stayed alive in the NJAC Tournament.

Inside the Numbers

• Alonso was 2-for-3 in the game and scored both of the Red Hawks runs.
• Iannone had the lone RBI for Montclair.
• SAGE RIZZI got the start and went 4.1 innings. She allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits and struck out two batters.
• CHEYANNE WEIGAND suffered the loss in relief. She pitched 4.2 innings and allowed four runs on five hits and struck out two batters.

Up Next

• Montclair State finishes it season with a 24-17 overall record and went 9-9 in NJAC play.