College Softball

Fairfield University 1, Rider University 0

Fairfield University 1, Rider University 0 (8 innings)

FAIRFIELD, Conn.?The Rider University softball team was swept in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference doubleheader Saturday.  “Those are two of the best games that I've ever been involved it,” said head coach Tricia Carroll.  “We just ended up on the losing end.  Both teams battled and played well enough to win.”

In game two, the Stags broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the eighth inning with a one-out RBI double.

Junior Lauren Brunner (Chino, Calif./Chino) went the distance, scattering eight hits, recording three strikeouts with no walks.  “Lauren did a great job,” said Carroll.  “We just didn't win the game for her.  In conference games, Lauren has been solid and has given us quality starts.”  Brunner has a 1.98 e.r.a. in MAAC games with 26 strikeouts in 35 innings but only has two wins to show for that effort in league play.

Rider (11-29, 3-7 MAAC) had a chance to score in the eighth after a two-out double by senior Mandi Sekly (Canyon Country, Calif./Canyon) but Sekly was stranded at third to end the inning.

“We made great defensive plays,” Carroll added.  “Fairfield made great plays.  The kids competed, it was two solid Division I softball games.”

The Broncs are now 1-1 in extra innings this season. 

In the opener, senior Jessica Holland (Hatboro, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham) threw a complete game four-hitter as the Broncs lost by one.  “Jessica pitched well for us today,” said Carroll.  “Her last few conference starts were not good but today, she had a strong outing.  We need the senior leadership and Jessica gave us that today.”

Fairfield (21-21-1, 6-5 MAAC) broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning on a two-out RBI single.

Sophomore Megan Kozlowski (Richboro, Pa./Council Rock-North) had two of Rider's four hits in the opener and had four hits in the doubleheader.  “Megan was getting on base,” Carroll said.  "She was seeing the ball well and had a great day.  She wasn't trying to do too much, she just put the ball in play and gave us a chance.”

The Broncs have been shutout in three of their last four games and have lost five in a row and seven of their last eight games.  “We competed, the energy was there and that's all I can ask,” Carroll said.  “One of these times, the ball will bounce our way.”

Rider travels to New Rochelle, New York for a MAAC doubleheader on Sunday at Iona, beginning at 1:00pm.

“We aren't changing anything,” said Carroll.  “We need to keep battling and take each play one pitch at a time.”