College Softball
Virginia Tech 7, Rider University 1
Troy University 10, Rider University 1
Hokies United Memorial Tournament
BOTETOURT, Va.?The Rider University softball team lost twice on the final day of the Hokies United Memorial Tournament. “We had lots of chances, getting base runners on,” said head coach Tricia Carroll. “We just couldn't pull off that big hit.”
Against the Hokies, Rider sophomore Megan Kozlowski (Richboro, Pa./Council Rock-North) and sophomore Candice Harris (Las Vegas, Nev./Coronado) each had two hits including a double with Kozlowski's two-base hit knocking in the only Rider run in the fifth inning with two outs.
“I like the effort this weekend,” said Carroll. “I like the tone of the team. They played hard and competed. The freshmen didn't look like freshmen. We were composed. Overall I didn't like the scores but I liked the effort.”
Also for Rider (1-3), junior Lauren Brunner (Chino, Calif./Chino) went four innings, allowing four earned runs while recording two strikeouts. Brunner also scored Rider's run in the fifth inning while going one for two at the plate in game one.
In game two vs. Troy University, Harris went two for three with home run. “We gave up a couple of home runs to the same player and a few more hits here and there and they had 10 runs,” said Carroll.
The Broncs faced Villanova and Robert Morris on Saturday, splitting the two games before seeing Virginia Tech and Troy State today. “I think it's great that we get to see some different teams,” said Carroll. “Troy State (Sun Belt) is always strong and seeing the ACC and BIG EAST, they are rated higher as a conference and it tells us what we need to do to get to their level.”
Rider opens the home schedule on March 8 against another BIG EAST team, St. John's at 1:00pm.
“After we face some more live pitching, the bats will come around and we'll get the hits when we need them,” said Carroll.
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