Kissimmee, NJ – The Montclair State University softball team (1-1) opened the season down the Spring Games in Kissimmee Florida, where they blanked Penn State Berks, 4-0, but were downed by Benedictine, ___ for an opening day split on Saturday.
Vs. Penn State Berks
How It Happened
- Montclair had an opportunity to get out in front early. LIZ MULLEN reached on a fielding error and stole second, and was followed by a single to right center by CARLEE IANNONE. Iannone stole second to put two runners in scoring position, but the Lions got out of the jam.
- After allowing only one base runner in two innings, Montclair nabbed the first run of the game in the top of the third. Following a fly out to left, SOPHIA ALONSO put down a well-placed bunt single right in front of the catcher and stole second to allow Iannone to belt an RBI single through the right side to take the lead.
- The Lions threatened in the bottom of the frame with a pair of two-out singles, but JORDAN TARABOKIA forced the ground out to Mullen and kept the Red Hawk advantage.
- The Red Hawks doubled their lead with two runs in the seventh. Another bunt single by Alonso put her on, and she was moved on a groundout to third. Iannone once again drove Alonso home on an RBI single through the right side. Carlee took advantage of a wild pitch to reach third and scored on a bunt attempt that turned into a sacrifice RBI that scored Iannone.
- The leadoff for Penn State doubled to left field, but the rest of the side was retired, and Montclair took its first game of the season.
Inside the Numbers
- In her first collegiate start, Tarabokia earned a complete game shutout. She allowed five hits, but walked no batters and struck out seven.
- Iannone had a flawless start to the season, going 4-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored.
- Alonso finished 2-for-4 and led with two runs scored.
- Montclair opened up the season with a win for the first time since 2023.
Vs. Benedictine
How It Happened
- Facing two outs in the opening frame, the Eagles battled back with a single through the right side and an RBI double down the left field line to take the early lead.
- In the lead off, Alonso doubled to left field and was moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Mullen, but was left stranded.
- Once again, Benedictine clawed back from a two-out hole and scored another run on an RBI double to left center to take the 2-0 advantage in the top of the third.
- In the bottom of the third, JAYLA VASQUEZ walked to first and was followed by a single down the left field line by Alonso. The Red Hawks nabbed bases-loaded after a bunt single by Mullen, but were only able to plate Vasquez on a sacrifice fly by MARIALYS RICOURT that cut the lead to 2-1.
- The difference-making inning happened at the top of the fourth for Benedictine, where they scored four runs on an RBI single, two runs on a throwing error, and a bunt single RBI to take control of the contest, 6-1.
- Montclair cut the lead in half at the bottom of the same inning, when a lead-off walk by DAKOTA PALMIERI was followed up by JORDYN HESTER, who pinch hit and crushed a ball over the center-field fence for a two-run homer to make the score 6-3.
- Benedictine kept a safe distance with a pair of runs in the fifth on RBI singles. While Iannone also sent a ball over the fence in the same inning, it was the only time they threatened the rest of the way, and the Red Hawks fell 8-4 and split the day.
Inside the Numbers
- Alonso once again saw a 2-for-4 hitting performance to finish at .500 on the day at 4-for-8.
- Montclair set the tone early with its base-running, seeing a total of six stolen bases on the day
- CARLY MOCKENHAUPT suffered the loss inside the circle, going three innings and giving up seven hits and five runs (three earned). She also struck out two batters.
Up Next
- Montclair State will see a quick turnaround on Sunday, March 8, when they matchup with Wheaton (Mass.) at 11:30 a.m. and will follow it up with a game against Aurora at 1:45 p.m.