College Softball ? Spartan Classic Tournament
UNC-Greensboro 8, Rider University 0 (5 innings)
University of Ohio 14, Rider University 0 (6 innings)
GREENSBORO, N.C.?The Rider University softball team was held to one hit in the opening game of the 2009 season and three hits in the night cap, losing to UNC-Greensboro and the University of Ohio on day one of the Spartan Classic Tournament in North Carolina, hosted by UNCG. "It felt great to play," said head coach Tricia Carroll. "Being the first time on the field this season, we were a little tentative in some of our decision making."
For Rider (0-2) in the opener, junior Candice Harris (Las Vegas, Nev./Coronado) had the only Bronc hit, a double down the left field line in the bottom of the fourth inning to break up the Spartan no-hit bid.
"We swung the bats," Carroll said. "UNCG is a good team and we kept letting the trail runner advance into scoring position and they took advantage. As we see more live pitching, the offense will pick up."
UNC-Greensboro opened the game with three RBI singles in the first inning and the Spartans had a three-run single as part of a four-run third inning. UNCG pushed across the eighth run in the fourth on a Rider error, allowing the game to end on the mercy rule after five innings.
Also for the Broncs, sophomore Amanda Centeno (Ventura, Calif./Buena) and senior Clarissa Ortiz (Vineland/Sacred Heart) each walked.
Senior Lauren Brunner (Chino, Calif. (Chino) went the first three innings for Rider, giving up eight hits and seven runs, four earned to take the loss. "Lauren did a decent job," Carroll added. "We didn't make some plays behind her and that didn't help her effort."
In the second game, Ohio broke open a 6-0 game with an eight run sixth inning. For the Broncs, junior Allyson Melia (Toms River/Toms River HS North), sophomore Brittany Eckett (Jackson/Jackson Memorial) and senior Katy Mills (Seattle, Wash./Mount Rainier) each singled.
Freshman Rachael Matreale (Williamstown) took the loss for the Broncs, going five innings, allowing nine hits and six runs in her collegiate debut.
"Rachael started with two strikeouts but was a little nervous," Carroll said. "She'll work through that as we get her more experience."
Originally scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday afternoon, the tournament schedule was pushed back due to rain, forcing the Rider opener to start at 7 p.m.
"It was nice to play under the lights," Carroll said about the adjusted starting time. "The temperature was ok and it was good for the players to experience that type of game situation."
Weather permitting the Broncs return to the field on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. against Georgetown. Rider completes the tournament on Sunday against Robert Morris.
"We just need to play with a little more intensity," said Carroll. "We need to get the games in and see more live pitching and a week or so from now, you'll see the difference."
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