Montclair, NJ- The Montclair State University softball team (26-14, 11-7 NJAC) honored its senior class and played its final home games of the season, dropping the twin bill to The College of New Jersey (24-13, 12-6 NJAC), 4-1 and 1-0 on Friday afternoon.
GAME ONE
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After a scoreless first, TCNJ threatened first with a two-out double to right center, but stalled out.
- In the bottom of the third, ASHLEY PALMIERI singled through the right side and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by ZOE TURNER. JAYLA VASQUEZ singled through the left side to put runners on the corners with only one out, but TCNJ halted the Red Hawk push.
- The Lions took the lead in the top of the fourth. A fielding error in the outfield allowed a reach and an advance to second. A single through the left side put runners on the corners. The next ball was hit hard to MOLLY COLLIGAN, who made an acrobatic attempt to tag the runner going home, but just missed, and the runner was safe, giving TCNJ a 1-0 advantage.
- LIZ MULLEN and DYLAN BOLES hit back-to-back singles to start the top of the second, but Montclair was unable to move them any further.
- The Red Hawks tied the game at the bottom of the fifth. Turner and Vasquez each singled and moved to second and third on a sacrifice bunt by SOPHIA ALONSO. CARLEE IANNONE came through with a sacrifice fly that plated Turner for the tying run.
- TCNJ countered and regained the advantage at the top of the sixth. The lead-off batter walked and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. A single to left field once again put runners on the corners for an RBI single through the left side, and the Lions went up 2-1.
- In the top of the seventh, TCNJ extended the lead to 4-1. A lead-off single and a bunt single put two runners on. A fielder's choice once again put a runner on first and third. A pick off attempt at third let the runner on first get to second and set up a two-RBI single up the middle.
- Turner got on base on an error and got all the way to third, but Montclair was unable to plate any runs and fell in game one.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Vasquez led on offense, going 2-for-4. She has been at the forefront of the Red Hawks in conference play. She has a .440 batting average with 22 hits, 10 RBI, eight doubles, a home run, and 17 runs scored against NJAC opponents this season.
- Turner scored the lone run of the day for Montclair. She is tied for the tema lead with Alonso this season.
- CARLY MOCKENHAUPT suffered the loss as the starter, finishing the regular season with a 9-5 record. She went six innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits and struck out three.
- BROOKE MCHALE got an inning of work and allowed a run on two hits and struck out a batter.
GAME TWO
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Vasquez led off the bottom of the first with a single up the middle and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, but was left stranded.
- The Lions scored in the top of the second. A lead-off double down the left field line and a sacrifice bunt set up an RBI single up the middle for a 1-0 edge.
- Montclair tried to counter in the bottom of the second. LEAH MONSCHEIN singled up the middle and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. Palmieri singled to left field, and Monschein rounded third to try and score the tying run, but was just tagged before she made it home, and TCNJ held.
- The Lions sought to extend the in the top of the third. They had a runner on first with two outs, and a double to left center gave them a window to score a second run, but a really good relay throw from Turner to Mullen to Boles got the runner out at home and kept it a one-run game.
- The game stalled out, and Montclair was given one more chance to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh. The Red Hawks got one runner on, but were shut down and suffered a sweep.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Mullen has had a fantastic April. In 20 games played, she had at least one hit in 18 of them.
- Five different Red Hawks had a hit in game two.
- Despite the loss, JORDAN TARABOKIA had a good outing. She pitched all seven innings and allowed just one run, and struck out two batters.
FROM THE DIAMOND
UP NEXT
- Montclair will be on the road for the NJAC Quarterfinals against either Kean or TCNJ, depending on the results of Sunday. The quarterfinal matchup is set for Tuesday, April 28, at 3:00 p.m.
