College Softball
Rider University 4, George Mason University 1
Cornell University 7, Rider University 0
Patriot Invitational
FAIRFAX, Va.—The Rider University softball team split two games at the Patriot Invitational Saturday afternoon, defeating host GMU before losing to Cornell.
For Rider (1-6) in the opener, freshman Krysti Maronski (Woodbury Heights/Gloucester County Inst. of Technology) threw a complete game two-hitter, recording three strikeouts as the Broncs allowed one unearned run.
“It is really encouraging when you have a freshman with so much composure,” said head coach Tricia Carroll. “She lost her first game (last week) 1-0 and we scored some runs for her today. It was a nice win and a good effort.”
GMU used a leadoff walk, sacrifice bunt, fielder's choice and error to take a 1-0 lead in the second inning.
Rider tied the game in the bottom of the third when sophomore Heather Muscara (North Bellmore, N.Y./Mepham) hit an RBI double, scoring senior Jen Steward (Haddon Twp.) who was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Steward scored twice in the game.
Muscara hit a two-run single in the fifth inning to give the Broncs a 3-1 lead and sophomore Sam Pugh (Elkton, Md./Elkton) followed with an RBI single to right field for the final score.
Also for the Broncs in the opener, senior Sam Bennett (Staten Island, N.Y./Tottenville) had two hits with freshman Kehli Washington (New Rochelle, N.Y./New Rochelle), senior Amanda Centeno (Ventura, Calif./Buena), junior Samantha Mayer (Neptune) and freshman Lisa Blanton (Hilliard, Fla./Hilliard) adding singles.
“(Sam) Bennett is fighting for a spot in the lineup,” Carroll said. “She put the ball in play when she had to and was very composed. Her second hit was a laser and I was very happy for her. And Jen (Steward) also played well this weekend at third base and made some nice plays.”
In the nightcap, Centeno had two of Rider's three hits with Pugh adding a single as Cornell shutout the Broncs 7-0.
Junior Rachael Matreale (Williamstown) started and went three innings for the Broncs, allowing six runs (two earned) while recording three strikeouts.
“Cornell hits good pitches well and they hit bad pitches even better,” Carroll said. “We put too many runners on base (walks, hit by pitches) and then we would give up the big hit.”
Rider's two games on Sunday were cancelled due to the threat of inclement weather in Virginia.
“Overall, I'm happy with the trip, it was good,” Carroll added. “We showed that we can play and hang in with some of the better teams and getting the first win of any season is extremely important to the confidence of your team.”
Rider participates at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida March 13-19. The home opener at Herb and Joan Young Field will be a March 23 doubleheader starting at 3pm on the Lawrenceville campus against Lafayette.
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