College Softball
Wisconsin Green Bay 8, Rider University 3
Cleveland State 8, Rider University 2
KISSIMMEE, Fla.-The Rider University softball team lost twice on Friday at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida.
"I'm disappointed in our effort overall," said head coach Tricia Carroll. "We struggled to get anything going offensively and I think we gave away some at-bats today."
In the opener, despite out-hitting the Phoenix 8-5, Rider couldn't overcome three errors, losing 8-3.
Trailing 3-0, Rider got on the board on a bases loaded hit by pitch in the second inning, scoring senior Sam Pugh (Elkton, Md./Elkton) who led off the inning with a single. Pugh had three hits in the opener, stole a base and scored two runs.
The Broncs scored twice in the third on a two-run single by freshman Lauren Davies (Pittsburgh, Pa./Seneca Valley) tying the score at 3-3. Davies had two hits in the opener.
Wisconsin Green Bay used two Rider errors, the last with two outs to plate a run in the bottom of the third, going ahead 4-3 and the Phoenix rose up with four runs on three hits and another Broncs error in the fifth inning for the final score.
Senior Rachael Matreale (Williamstown) had four strikeouts and allowed five hits in game one.
Against Cleveland State, the Broncs were held to five hits in the 8-2 loss.
Trailing 2-0, Rider tied the game, scoring twice in the fourth inning on an RBI single from sophomore Lisa Blanton (Hilliard, Fla./Hilliard) and a sacrifice fly by junior Alyssa Paul (Toms River/Toms River HS East).
The Vikings broke the tie in the fifth inning on a single, two stolen bases and a fielder's choice.
CSU plated two more runs in the sixth inning and used two home runs in the seventh to score three times and put the game away.
Senior Kelsey Krisch (Parker, Colo./Council Rock HS North) threw the second game for the Broncs, recording one strikeout.
"The day just snow balled on us," Carroll added. "Rachael and Kelsey threw ok today but we didn't make plays or give them run support. We have played better and know we can play better and we are looking to get right back out there Saturday."
Losers of three straight, Rider (4-13-1) completes the Florida trip with two games on Saturday against Wagner and Howard.
-RU-
