College Softball
Saint Joseph's University 2, Rider University 0
Rider's Kozlowski 100th career hit
LAWRENCEVILLE--Despite two hits from junior Brittany Eckett (Jackson/Jackson Memorial) and the 100th career hit from senior Megan Kozlowski (Richboro, Pa./Council Rock HS North), the Rider University softball team lost to Saint Joseph's 2-0 in the 2010 home opener at Herb and Joan Young Field on the Lawrenceville, New Jersey campus.
The Hawks broke open a 0-0 game, scoring twice in the third inning on a bases loaded walk and wild pitch.
Trailing 2-0 in the seventh, Kozlowski beat out an infield hit for the 100th of her Bronc career, bringing the tying run to the plate with two outs. "I don't pay attention to stats," Kozlowski said. "I try my best everyday to help the team. I was just trying to get the tying run to the plate and give ourselves a chance to win."
Kozlowski is the 42nd Bronc all-time to reach 100 hits in the 33 years of the program.
"We're looking at the team success," said head coach Tricia Carroll. "It is nice for Megan (getting her 100th hit) but she will be the first to tell you that she is only worried about us winning. She works hard and does the best she can. I'm glad she got it."
Sophomore Erin Gallagher went the first five innings for Saint Joseph's, allowing four hits and recording six strikeouts for her ninth win of the season. Freshman Taryn Ashway recorded her third save of the season with two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit with two strikeouts.
Rider had an excellent opportunity to tie the game in the fourth with Eckett and freshman Heather Muscara (North Bellmore, N.Y./Mepham) leading off with back to back singles, with Muscara extending her hitting streak to six games. They were stranded when the next three batters struck out, including two looking.
"I was disappointed that we had eight strikeouts and four were looking," Carroll said. "We talk about being a tough out and striking out looking is not being a tough out. I thought the defense played well and made some plays. I thought the Saint Joseph's pitchers did a nice job but we need to swing the bat."
Sophomore Rachael Matreale (Williamstown) went the distance for Rider (5-14), recording six strikeouts and allowing four hits.
"With the exception of the third inning, Rachael pitched ok," said Carroll. "She had a few moments where she didn't look good but for the most part, she pitched well."
"It was a good game," Matreale said. "Gallagher kept our offense off balance and was hitting the outside corner and without the third inning, we would still be in a scoreless game. I need to work on keeping better pitch control." Matreale had three wild pitches in the game and hit a batter.
Also for Rider, senior Candice Harris (Henderson, Nev./Coronado) had a hit.
Junior Laura Cardone had two hits for Saint Joseph's (13-8).
Each team left seven runners on base.
"It was a close game," Matreale added. "We need to start coming out on top in these games and that will help us as we head into conference play."
"I like this team," said Carroll. "They play hard, like to play and have fun doing it. We need to start winning the close games. Overall, we need to hit the ball better."
Saint Joseph's was the designated home team for the single, non-conference game.
The Broncs have won eight of the 15 games all-time against Saint Joseph's but have not defeated the Hawks since 2006.
Rider travels to West Point, New York to take on Army in a non-conference doubleheader on Sunday.
"Army has done well the last few years and we just saw them in Florida," Carroll said. "Our goal is to play the best teams we can and compete to get ready for the conference. We have a pretty balanced team and we need them to keep fighting to get better and challenge the opponents that we face."
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