University of Rhode Island 4, Rider University 3
Cornell University 1, Rider University 0
KISSIMMEE, Florida?The Broncs had a four-game winning streak snapped, losing twice on Tuesday at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida. “The games were well played and we had chances,” said head coach Tricia Carroll.
For Rider (5-8), senior Tiffany Day-Neutill (Agoura Hills, Calif./Oaks Christian) had four hits in the two games, including a double with freshman Amanda Centeno (Ventura, Calif./Buena) adding three hits. Day-Neutill, a preseason All-MAAC selection, now had 171 career hits, tied for 12th highest all-time at Rider. Day-Neutill was selected as the conference Player of the Week for all games played last week after batting .533.
In the opener against URI, Rider jumped out to a 2-0 lead on an RBI single from junior Katy Mills (Seattle, Wash./Mount Rainier) and a sacrifice fly by sophomore Megan Kozlowski (Richboro, Pa./Council Rock-North). Mills also had three hits in the two games.
The Broncs made the score 3-1 in the sixth on an RBI double by Day-Neutill before the Rams tied it with two in the sixth. Rhode Island won the game on two stolen bases and an error in the bottom of the seventh.
Senior Jessica Holland (Hatboro, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham) absorbed the loss, throwing six and two-thirds innings, allowing two earned runs while recording three strikeouts.
Rider left 13 runners on base against URI.
“We had the base runners and lots of chances,” Carroll added. “We came up with some great defensive plays. Jessica pitched a great game.”
The Big Red broke a scoreless tie with a two-out RBI single in the sixth inning as Cornell defeated Rider 1-0 in the second game.
Bronc junior Lauren Brunner (Chino, Calif./Chino) scattered seven hits in a complete game effort, allowing only one earned run.
“Both sides played well in the second game,” Carroll said. “Lauren also pitched great.”
The Broncs are 4-4 against URI all-time having defeated the Rams in extra innings on March 15. Rider falls to 0-3 all-time against Cornell.
After an off day on Wednesday, Rider plays Hartford and Fairleigh Dickinson on Thursday in Florida.
“We went out and played hard and competed,” Carroll said. “While the end result isn't what we wanted, I am pleased that in two tight games, we held our composure and had good at-bats. We worked out of some jams and gave ourselves a chance. The attitude and energy is good.”
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