College Softball
Drexel University 7, Rider University 0
Rider - UNC-Greensboro PPD. Rain
Spartan Classic
GREENSBORO, N.C.--The Rider University softball team opened the 2012 season at the four-team Spartan Classic, hosted by UNC-Greensboro with the Broncs losing to Drexel 7-0 in the opening game.
Utah defeated Drexel 8-2 in a game called in the sixth inning due to heavy rain and Rider's game against UNCG was postponed until Saturday when the consolation round and championship game will also be played.
For Rider (0-1) against the Dragons, sophomore Kehli Washington (Lulea, Sweden/New Rochelle) had two hits with freshmen Gina McCool (Marlton/Cherokee) and Lauren Davies (Pittsburgh, Pa./Seneca Valley) each picking up their first collegiate hits.
"Kehli has multiple tools," Carroll said. "She is going to be our table setter. If she uses what the defense gives her, she is going to be hard to keep off base. She is young and dangerous."
Drexel out-hit the Broncs 8-4.
"It was 75 degrees, we're playing ball, I was a little disappointed in the energy," Carroll added. "That is something we can control."
Drexel used a throwing error and a two-run home run for a 2-0 first inning lead and the Dragons scored three more times in the second inning, all on a three-run double by Paige Collings. Collings had five RBI for Drexel.
Jenn Reading hit a two-run home run to center field to complete the scoring for the Dragons.
"It was a couple of pitches where Drexel scored all of their runs," Carroll said. "That's how softball is, if you let a couple players on base, their big bats came around and hit them in."
Senior Rachael Matreale (Williamstown) went six innings for the Broncs, scattering eight hits and recording three strikeouts.
Rider will face Utah at noon and Drexel at 5:30pm on Saturday and the revised schedule will have the Broncs against Utah at noon Sunday with the Broncs and host Spartans of UNCG wrapping up the tournament at 2pm.
"When we face Utah on Saturday, we are going to have to keep the ball in the ballpark," Carroll said. "They can flat out hit. If their big bats come up, we have to make sure no one is on base. UNCG, they are pretty good as well and that's why we schedule these teams, to have strong competition which makes us better."
-RU-
