College Softball
Rider University 4, Columbia University 3
Columbia University 7, Rider University 1
NEW YORK, N.Y.--The Rider University softball team split a non-conference doubleheader at Columbia Thursday afternoon.
In the opener, Rider withstood a Columbia comeback to win 4-3.
Rider broke a scoreless tie in the second inning on a one-out triple by junior Amanda Centeno (Ventura, Calif./Buena) followed by an RBI double from freshman Heather Muscara (North Bellmore, N.Y./Mepham). Centeno had three hits in the doubleheader.
Sophomore Samantha Mayer (Neptune) hit an RBI double to left center to give the Broncs a 2-0 lead.
Senior Candice Harris (Henderson, Nev./Coronado) hit her third home run of the season and second in two games in the third inning to give Rider a 3-0 lead and the Broncs used a Columbia error in the fourth to take a four-run lead.
"Candice was struggling a little bit early in the week," Carroll said. "We shot some video of her swings and credit to her, she made an adjustment and you've seen the result over the past two days."
The Lions scored three times in the seventh on three hits and four Rider errors before a ground out ended the game.
"It was mostly good," head coach Tricia Carroll said about the day. "We played composted for the most part and then did some things to let Columbia back in it. But we did enough to hold on to the win."
Sophomore Rachael Matreale (Williamstown) threw a complete game for her sixth win of the season, recording five strikeouts. Matreale did not allow an earned run in the game.
"Rachael pitched well," Carroll said. "She had a few too many walks but she battled and stayed pretty composed."
Trailing 1-0 in the night cap, junior Brittany Eckett (Jackson/Jackson Memorial) hit an RBI single, scoring senior Derrin Minunni (Cohoes, N.Y./Shaker) to tie the game at one in the third inning.
The Lions scored twice in the fourth, once in the fifth and three times in the sixth inning for the final score.
Sophomore Kelsey Krisch (Parker, Colo./Council Rock HS North) went the distance for the Broncs, with one strikeout.
Rider travels to Western, New York to take on Niagara and Canisius in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference doubleheaders Saturday and Sunday.
"We play all of these games to prepare for conference play and this weekend is an important stretch," Carroll said. "Hopefully we have learned from all of our experiences and we are ready to play."
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