Kissimmee, NJ – The Montclair State University softball team (3-5) split the fourth day at The Spring Games, when they were blanked by Catholic, 3-0, but were able to earn a 9-1 run-rule victory against Carlow in six innings on Wednesday.

Vs. Catholic

How It Happened

·        The Cardinals came out of the blocks hot. After they led off with a double to right-center, Catholic capitalized on a fielding error during a sacrifice bunt attempt and rounded third for the game's first run. They plated two more runs on an RBI double to left field and an RBI single through the left side to hold a 3-0 lead.

·        Montclair's defense shut down the Catholic surge during the middle innings, but was unable to generate runs. Their best opportunity came in the bottom of the sixth, when SOPHIA ALONSO belted a ball into the left-center gap for a triple, but was left stranded.

·        Catholic tried to extend the lead in the seventh with a single up the middle and a stolen base, but Montclair closed the door with a fly out and two strikeouts by CARLY MOCKENHAUPT.

Inside the Numbers

·        Alonso was a perfect 3-for-3 in the game, including recording the team's only extra-base hit.

·        JORDAN TARABOKIA suffered the loss as the starter, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits as the starter.

·        DAKOTA PALMIERI and Mockenhaupt put together some solid shifts in relief. Palmieri allowed only one run on four hits with three strikeouts in four innings. Mockenhaupt went the rest of the way, allowing just one hit and striking out five batters.

·        MOLLY COLLIGAN was the other hit for Montclair, notching her first of the season

Vs. Carlow

How It Happened

·        The Celtics got on the board first in the bottom of the first inning. A triple to right-center set up an RBI single to right field. Carlow had bases-loaded and was primed for more runs, but a nice pick off from KATIE BRUNNER to Colligan, a strikeout by BROOKE MCHALE, and a ground out to ASHLEY PALMIERI limited the damage and kept it a one-run game.

·        Montclair threatened at the top of the second. An error allowed RILEY MERKEL to reach, and she got pushed to second on a bunt single by KATIE BRUNNER. The two were left stranded, however, and the game stayed at 1-0 Celtics.

·        ZOE TURNER led off the top of the third with a bunt single and stole two bases before an overthrow by the catcher allowed her to circle home to tie the game.

·        The Red Hawks finally took advantage with a three-run top of the fifth. EMMA DEPEPPO led off as a pinch-hitter and nailed down Montclair's third bunt single of the day. She stole second and was driven home by Palmieri on an RBI double to left field. Turner put down her second bunt single and stole second. Alonso grounded out, but batted in Palmieri to take a 4-1 advantage.

·        Montclair blew the doors off the game in the top of the sixth. After an out, Brunner put a single into center field and stole second for Mullen to plate her on an RBI double down the left field line. Julianna Casillas kept it going with an RBI single up the middle that scored Mullen, who made it all the way to third on an error by the center fielder. MARIALYS RICOURT pinch-hit and brought Casillas home on an RBI single to third. Another error helped Turner reach and advance to second, and scored Palmieri, who re-entered for Ricourt, and plated the final run of the game on an RBI single through the right side by Alonso.

·        The Celtics had bases loaded at the top of the sixth with one out, but a beautifully turned double play by EMILY LESHIK, SOPHIE SCHNEIDER, and CARLEE IANNONE from home to first triggered the run rule, and the Red Hawks won in six.

Inside the Numbers

·        Turner had a career day, going 2-for-4 with three runs scored and four stolen bases. Her four stolen bases are tied for the second most in a single game in program history. She tied RILEIGH GLYNN from last season, who had four against William Paterson on April 22.

·        BROOKE MCHALE earned her first collegiate win inside the circle. She pitched five innings and allowed one run on four hits and struck out three batters.

·        EMILY LESHIK came in for the final inning and didn't surrender a run or hit.

·        Nine different batters earned hits today, earning a season high 11 hits as a team.

FROM THE DIAMOND

·       Quote to be added.

Up Next

·       Montclair State University enters its final day at The Spring Games on Friday, March 13. They will face Dean at 10:00 a.m. and Loras at 2:30 p.m.