College Softball

Columbia University 5, Rider University 1

Rider University 3, Columbia University 1

LAWRENCEVILLE?The Rider University softball team split a non-conference doubleheader against Columbia Thursday afternoon at Herb and Joan Young Field.  “The second game was a great game,” said head coach Tricia Carroll.  Rachael's presence was good and we came up with clutch hits when we needed them.”

In the nightcap, Rider (11-29) jumped out to a 1-0 first inning lead on an RBI double by sophomore Brittany Eckett (Jackson/Jackson Memorial), scoring sophomore Amanda Centeno (Ventura, Calif./Buena) who had reached on a fielder's choice.

The Broncs increased their lead to 3-0 in the third inning on a Columbia error and an RBI single by junior Candice Harris (Las Vegas, Nev./Coronado).  Harris now has 99 hits in her Rider career.

Freshman Rachael Matreale (Williamstown) threw a complete game, scattering seven hits, recording six strikeouts for her team-leading sixth win of the season.

"I was very exctited with the way we played today," Matreale said.  "Both games were tough games.  I am glad we got a win out of today.  We played really solid defense and were able to drive in a few runs. I had a couple rough games where I wasn't pitching my best and wanted to get a win under my belt before going into conference play this weekend."

In the opener, Columbia (15-31) broke a 1-1 tie, scoring four times in the seventh inning on two Rider errors and a balk.  “The first game was a great game,” said Carroll.  “Right up until there were two outs in the top of the seventh.”

Trailing 1-0, the Broncs tied the game in the sixth inning on an RBI single by junior Derrin Minunni (Cohoes, N.Y./Shaker) scoring Centeno who had reached on an error.

Freshman Kelsey Krisch (Parker, Colo./Council Rock HS North) went the distance for Rider, allowing five hits and only one earned run.  “Kelsey did a great job,” Carroll added.  “The ending was unfortunate but we had chances to score more than one run so it shouldn't have come down to the last inning like it did.”

Also of the Broncs, senior Clarissa Ortiz (Vineland/Sacred Heart) had two hits in the doubleheader.

Columbia leads the all-time series 13-9, having taken won two out of three over the Broncs this season including a 6-5 on March 17 at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida.  Rider swept Columbia 3-1 and 9-0 in New York last season.

The Broncs travel to Jersey City on Saturday for a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference doubleheader against Saint Peter's.

"We have four conference series left and I think that we can really win and come through in these games," Matreale added.  "The team is coming together because everyone really wants this."

“We had some innings today where we bent but didn't break and hopefully that will give us some momentum as we head into the conference weekend,” Carroll added.  “It's been so long since we had a conference game, it feels like we're starting the season over.  Our season is coming down to eight games and we are very capable of making the MAAC playoffs; we just need to focus on one pitch at a time.”