Wisconsin-Green Bay 7, Rider University 4
Lafayette College 5, Rider University 2
KISSIMMEE, FLA.?The Rider University softball team lost twice on Friday at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida. “The energy and attitude were not good today,” said head coach Tricia Carroll. “We can control those things and we didn't today.”
Against the Phoenix in the opener, sophomore Brittany Eckett (Jackson/Jackson Memorial) hit an RBI double to give Rider (5-12) a 1-0 first inning lead. Eckett had two hits, her fourth multiple hit game of the season and added a run scored.
Wisconsin-Green Bay tied the game in the first and eventually scored five unanswered runs, opening up a 5-1 lead entering the sixth.
Junior Derrin Minunni (Cohoes, N.Y./Shaker), freshman Kristen Stefanowicz (Hurley, N.Y./Kingston) and junior Megan Kozlowski (Richboro, Pa./Council Rock HS North) all had RBI singles in the sixth as the Broncs battled to within one before the Phoenix scored twice in the bottom of the sixth for the final score.
“If we get a couple of extra base hits, maybe the first game ends differently,” said Carroll. “I was disappointed in the overall effort. We're not making our opponent have to make tough outs on the offensive end.”
Freshman Rachael Matreale (Williamstown) went the first two innings, picking up the loss, allowing two earned runs with four strikeouts.
In the second game, the Broncs only managed three hits, falling to the Leopards.
“We were flat,” Carroll added. “We were just kind of sitting back and letting things happen. We tried to come up with anyone who could honestly say they played well and we didn't come up with anyone. We're in Florida, playing softball. What more could you want.”
Kozlowski had a double for Rider, extending her hitting streak to three games with freshman Kelsey Krisch (Parker, Colo./Council Rock HS North) recording two strikeouts in four innings of work on the mound.
After winning three straight to start the trip, Rider has lost five of six. “It wasn't a good day and we have to learn from it and move on,” Carroll added.
The Broncs face Hartford and Cornell on Saturday before flying back to New Jersey.
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