College Softball
University of Utah 9, Rider University 2
UNC Greensboro 9, Rider University 1
Spartan Classic
GREENSBORO, N.C.--The Rider University softball team was swept on Sunday in the final two games of the Spartan Classic in Greensboro.
The Broncs lost to Utah 9-2 and the host Spartans of UNCG 9-1.
"The effort today felt a lot better," said head coach Tricia Carroll. "We had some really good at-bats and showed some composure against some really tough teams."
Trailing 1-0 in the opener, Rider (0-5) scored twice on a hit, two passed balls, an error and a hit batter as the Broncs took a 2-1 lead in the third inning. Senior Kelsey Krisch (Parker, Colo. (Council Rock HS North) led off with a double down the left field line and eventually scored with two outs when freshman Allysen Breeden (Hagerstown, Md./North Hagerstown) was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
Breeden had three hits in the tournament.
"Allysen is handling herself well," Carroll said. "She is being selective and is calm and poised."
Utah tied the game in the bottom of the third and when ahead 5-2, with three runs on three hits in the fourth inning.
The Utes plated one run in the fifth and three runs in the sixth inning for the final score.
Sophomore Kehli Washington (Lulea, Sweden/New Rochelle) had Rider's only other hit.
Senior Rachael Matreale (Williamstown) took the game one loss, working six innings with three strikeouts while allowing nine hits and nine earned runs with seven walks.
"We have some things that we need to tighten down with the pitching," said Carroll. "We go a couple innings and do well and then let up one big inning."
In the nightcap, Breeden had two of Rider's four hits and had the only RBI on a double to right center field as the Broncs battled back from a 6-0 deficit in the fourth inning against UNCG.
Freshman Gina McCool (Marlton/Cherokee) and junior Alyssa Paul (Toms River/Toms River HS East) had singles for Rider.
Krisch lost game two for the Broncs, working four innings, allowing six hits, eight walks and six earned runs.
The Broncs travel to George Mason for the Patriot Classic March 2-4 against Cornell, Akron and the host Patriots.
"The tough competition is going to get us ready for the rigors of the 16-game Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference schedule," Carroll added. "We are definitely better today than when we opened the season Friday and we need to continue making improvement, taking steps and learning."
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