College Softball
Iona College 6, Rider University 0
Iona College 2, Rider University 1
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
LAWRENCEVILLE-The Rider University softball team lost a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference doubleheader to Iona College on Sunday at Herb and Joan Young Field.
"We played so well and so hard and we were right there," said head coach Tricia Carroll. "We just can't catch a break. I'm proud of how we battled."
In the nightcap, junior pitcher Rachael Matreale (Williamstown) took a no-hitter into the fifth inning in a 2-1 loss to the Gaels.
Trailing 1-0, Iona used a two-out single off the Bronc third baseman to score twice and take a 2-1 lead.
Gael starter Alyssa Maiese retired the final nine Rider batters in order, including a three pitch seventh inning. Maiese threw a three-hitter with four strikeouts.
Matreale went the distance for the Broncs, throwing a four-hitter with seven strikeouts and no walks.
"Rachael is a competitor," Carroll said. "She pitched well. The bats haven't come around for us, especially when she has been out there. She deserved a better fate today."
Rider scored in the first inning on an RBI single by sophomore Sam Pugh (Elkton, Md./Elkton).
In the opener, Rider (8-36, 1-13 MAAC) was held to four hits, two by senior Amanda Centeno (Ventura, Calif./Buena) in the 6-0 loss.
Iona (23-17, 11-3 MAAC) scored twice in the third, fifth and sixth innings.
Freshman Krysti Maronski (Woodbury Heights/GCIT) threw a complete game, allowing eight hits while recording three strikeouts.
"Krysti is going to give up runs," Carroll said. "She is going to be good. Her change up was good today and she throws a nice rise ball and nice screw ball. I like her composure and she does not look like a rookie out there."
Iona swept Rider 1-0 and 11-1 in New Rochelle in 2010. Rider has won 16 of the 29 games all-time in the series. The teams split in Lawrenceville in 2009 with Rider winning the second game 4-3.
"We are still working hard and trying to get better," Carroll said. "Iona is a very good team and we were right there with them."
Rider hosts Canisius on May 7 in a MAAC doubleheader at noon to close out the 2011 season. In between games, Rider will honor its senior class of Centeno, Jen Steward (Haddon Twp.), Brittany Eckett (Jackson/Jackson Memorial) and Sam Bennett (Staten Island, N.Y./Tottenville).
"I know we are competing and we are right there but I want the younger players especially to realize that this isn't good enough," Carroll said. "We are playing scrappy and tough but we can't come up short. We have to find a way to play better and take the next step."
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