College Softball
University of Utah 14, Rider University 2 / 6 innings
Drexel University 12, Rider University 0 / 5 innings
Spartan Classic
GREENSBORO, N.C.--The Rider University softball team lost twice on the second day of the UNC-Greensboro Spartan Classic Saturday afternoon.
In the opener against Utah, Rider trailed 7-0 through three innings before scoring twice in the fourth when freshman Allysen Breeden (Hagerstown, Md./North Hagerstown) hit a two-run double.
Breeden's hit scored freshman Amanda Irving (Westminster, Md./Westminster) and freshman pinch runner Deborah DeWitt (East Brunswick) who subbed for freshman Gina McCool (Marlton/Cherokee).? McCool singled with one out to start the rally.
"The freshmen have played well and have provided a spark," said head coach Tricia Carroll.? "Defensively, they have also made some nice plays."
Utah scored six times in the sixth on three hits including a three-run home run for the final score.
The game was called after six innings on the eight-run mercy rule.
Sophomore Krysti Maronski (Woodbury Heights/GCIT) allowed 10 hits in five and one-third innings, recording six strikeouts for the Broncs.
In the second game, Drexel defeated Rider (0-3) for the second time in the tournament in a game called after five innings as the Broncs were out-hit nine to two.
Senior Kelsey Krisch (Parker, Colo./Council Rock HS North) pitched four innings, with one strikeout in game two.
"We are looking for the pitching to improve with more game experience," Carroll added.? "We have Utah from the PAC 12 again and UNCG is another strong team that we will see on Sunday.? We are looking to improve and continue to compete."
Also for the Broncs, sophomore Kehli Washington (Lulea, Sweden (New Rochelle) had two hits and has hit safely in the first three games of the season.
"Kehli is playing with poise and confidence," Carroll said.
In other tournament games on Saturday, UNCG lost to Utah 3-1 and the host Spartans defeated Drexel 5-1.
Rider faces Utah and the host Spartans of UNCG on Sunday before heading back north.
After playing in the Patriot Classic at George Mason March 2-4, the Broncs return to Lawrenceville for the 2012 home opener on March 6 at 2pm against Drexel at Herb and Joan Young Field.
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