College Softball
Robert Morris University 7, Rider University 1
Cleveland State University 13, Rider University 5
KISSIMMEE, Florida?The Rider University softball team lost twice at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida on Friday afternoon. “The sun was shining and it was a nice day,” said head coach Tricia Carroll.
After playing in wintry conditions at the Virginia Tech. tournament two weeks ago, the Broncs were rained on and then rained out after four innings against St. John's before sneaking in a single game on a blustery day right before the Florida trip.
Against Robert Morris in the opener, Rider was held to four hits with sophomore Derrin Minunni (Cohoes, N.Y./Shaker) going one for three with a run scored.
Junior Lauren Brunner (Chino, Calif./Chino) pitched a complete game, allowing only three earned runs as the Broncs made four errors. Brunner struck out two.
“We gave up too many extra outs, allowing too many runners to move into scoring position,” said Carroll. “We are not a team that can afford to give up extra outs and then extra runs.”
Against Cleveland State, senior Tiffany Day-Neutill (Agoura Hills, Calif./Oaks Christian) went three for four with freshman Amanda Centeno (Ventura, Calif./Buena) adding a double and two RBI's for Rider.
“We actually did some nice things offensively,” said Carroll. “I was not happy with the number of strikeouts, especially the ones looking.” Seven of Rider's 10 strikeouts in the two games were looking.
Trailing 3-0 in the first inning, Rider scored four times with Minunni hitting an RBI single and Centeno knocking in two with a single.
Cleveland State scored nine unanswered runs over the next three innings to put the game out of reach.
Senior Jessica Holland (Hatboro, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham) picked up the loss for Rider (1-6) in the second game.
The Broncs face Florida A&M and Rhode Island on Saturday in Florida.
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