College Softball
Monmouth University 13, Rider University 7 (Game 1)
Game Two - Canceled Due to Rain
LAWRENCEVILLE--The Rider University softball team lost a non-conference game to in-state rival Monmouth University on Wednesday at Herb and Joan Young Field in Lawrenceville.
After a 99 minute rain delay prior to the game, Rider (7-31) jumped out to a 1-0 lead on an RBI single by sophomore Sam Pugh (Elkton, Md./Elkton). Pugh had three hits on the day, including her fifth double of the season.
"Sam has been hitting well," said head coach Tricia Carroll. "It is a shame that she hasn't been 100 percent all year. It is good for her and gives us some confidence. As an underclassman, we need to see the players that have kind of gotten thrown into the mix reach out and grab the position and step up and I think she is starting to do that."
Monmouth (17-19) scored five unearned runs in the second inning and led 6-1 before junior Samantha Mayer (Neptune) hit an RBI single to center field in the third inning, scoring senior Amanda Centeno (Ventura, Calif./Buena) who led off with a walk. Mayer had two hits in the game with Centeno scoring twice to go along with two hits.
"We gave Monmouth five runs in the second inning," said Carroll. "We were right there and again, didn't do the little things that you need to do to win games."
An RBI double by senior Brittany Eckett (Jackson/Jackson Memorial) and RBI single by freshman Ally Coryell (Ewing), combined with an RBI ground out brought the Broncs to within 6-5 through five innings. Coryell had two hits in the game.
"We had an opportunity with the bases loaded and let them (Monmouth) off the hook in the fifth inning," Carroll added. "Due to illness and injuries, we had our shortstop behind the plate, a pitcher in right field and we were still right there until the last inning. This was frustrating that we put ourselves behind by having players who are in their normal positions, not making plays."
Left handed pitcher Kelsey Krisch (Parker, Colo./Council Rock HS North) was pressed into service due to a Bronc illness prior to the game and made several diving plays in right field.
"Kelsey had fun playing," Carroll said. "She was willing to go out there and take some chances and just played all out. I need the rest of the players to play with that kind of effort. All I want is that effort; work hard and make an effort."
Trailing 8-5, Eckett walked with the bases loaded in the sixth, bringing the Broncs within two. Eckett finished with two RBI in the game.
The Hawks scored five times on six hits in the seventh with Rider scoring on an error with the bases loaded for the final score.
Also for the Broncs, senior Jen Steward (Haddon Twp.) had two hits.
Junior Rachael Matreale (Williamstown) started and went three innings, allowing six runs (one earned) while recording four strikeouts.
Senior Sam Bennett (Staten Island, N.Y./Tottenville) went the final four innings, allowing seven runs, five earned.
Rider has 12 hits against the Hawks, tied for the second highest total of the season (12 hits at Saint Peters April 2, 14 hits vs. Hartford March 13).
Game two of the scheduled doubleheader was rained out and will not be re-scheduled.
The Broncs split with Monmouth in West Long Branch in 2010, winning 2-1 in the opener with Matreale throwing a complete-game four hitter. Former Northeast Conference rivals, Monmouth and Rider have now met 45 times on the softball diamond with the Broncs winning 27 times. Monmouth swept two games in Lawrenceville in 2009.
The Broncs have lost four in a row and 13 of 14 games.
Rider travels to Lehigh for a non-conference doubleheader on Thursday at 3pm.
"We are going to work to get better everyday," Carroll said. "That won't change. It doesn't matter how many games are left, we are going to work to improve every time we step onto the field."
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