Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State University softball team (10-8, 0-2 NJAC) opened up NJAC play down at #10 Rowan (17-5, 2-0 NJAC), where they dropped both contests by scores of 8-2 and 2-0.
Game One
How It Happened
· Rowan pushed out in front in the bottom of the first inning. They led off with a single to third base, but KATIE BRUNNER caught her stealing with a throw down to LIZ MULLEN. Facing two outs, the Profs battled back with a double to right center and a single to the pitcher to set up an RBI single down the left field line for the game's first run.
· Both defenses held firm until the bottom of the fifth inning, where a four-run frame for Rowan pushed them out to a comfortable lead of 5-0. Those runs were scored on an RBI double to left center, a fielding error, an RBI single to right center, and a ground-out RBI to third base.
· The Red Hawks cut into the lead with two runs in the top of the sixth. Facing one out, ZOE TURNER singled to third base and stole second. SOPHIA ALONSO walked to first and was followed by CARLEE IANNONE, who saw her fly ball to right field get dropped and allowed Turner to round home. With only one out still, Mullen notched an RBI on a groundout to the shortstop and made the score 5-2.
· Rowan answered back with three runs in the bottom of the sixth. RBI singles up the middle, through the left side, and a fielder's choice RBI extended the Rowan lead to 8-2.
· The Profs retired the side in the top of the seventh to secure the game-one win.
Inside the Numbers
· Turner, Iannone, and MOLLY COLLIGAN were the lone Red Hawks to notch hits.
· Turner and Alonso each plated a run
· JORDAN TARABOKIA suffered the loss. She pitched 4.1 innings and allowed four runs on seven hits.
· DAKOTA PALMIERI came in for an inning of relief and allowed four runs on five hits.
· EMILY LESHIK saw 0.2 innings of relief, where she retired both batters and struck out a batter.
Game Two
How It Happened
· Montclair looked to turn the tide in game two. Turner singled to the catcher, but was left stranded.
· The Red Hawks' best opportunity to score came at the top of the second. RILEY MERKEL walked in the lead off and was sent to second on a single to the pitcher by Julianna Casillas. Following a foul out to third, Colligan loaded the bases on a walk, but Rowan got out of the jam by forcing a lineout and a groundout.
· After another scoreless inning, Rowan broke through in the bottom of the third, where a triple to right center was followed by an RBI double to the opposite gap for the game's first run. An RBI single to right center eventually plated another run, and the Profs took a 2-0 lead.
· Merkel and Casillas created another opportunity at the top of the fourth with singles to left field. Rowan once again halted Montclair, forcing a 163 double play and a fly out to stymie the Red Hawks again.
· The final true opportunity for Montclair came at the top of the fifth. ASHLEY PALMIERI singled up the middle and moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by JAYLA VASQUEZ. A strikeout swinging and a ground out to short once again left a runner on, and Rowan held firm the rest of the way to earn the NJAC opening sweep.
Inside the Numbers
· CARLY MOCKENHAUPT was credited with the loss inside the circle. She went the distance and allowed just the two runs on seven hits and struck out three batters.
· Casillas finished the game 2-for-3.
FROM THE DIAMOND
· Quote to be added.
Up Next
· Montclair State University will remain on the road and will look to bounce back on Tuesday, March 31, when it travels to Kean for a doubleheader starting at 3:00 p.m.
