College Softball
University of Delaware 12, Rider University 4
University of Delaware 3, Rider University 1

LAWRENCEVILLE—The Rider University softball team was swept by the University of Delaware on Wednesday afternoon in a non-conference doubleheader at Herb and Joan Young Field.

In the nightcap, Delaware broke a 1-1 tie with three doubles in the sixth inning, scoring twice for the final score.

“The second game was a good game,” said head coach Tricia Carroll.  “We made some mental mistakes and mistakes running the bases and you can't give a team like Delaware any extra opportunities and you need to take advantage of the opportunities that they give you and we didn't do either.  We had a chance to get a split and didn't get the job done.”

Bronc freshman Megan McDonough (Olney, Md./Sherwood) threw a complete game, allowing seven hits while recording two strikeouts.

“The pitching today (in both games) gave us a chance to split,” Carroll said.

Delaware took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a walk, wild pitch, fielding error and bunt single.

Rider tied the game in the bottom of the first inning on an RBI single by junior Gina McCool (Marlton/Cherokee), scoring sophomore Dana Sensi (Allentown) who walked after a two out single by freshman Delany DeMello (Roseville, Calif./Roseville).

DeMello had two of Rider's seven hits in game two.

For Rider in game one, McDonough hit her first career home run, a three-run shot with one out, just inside the right field foul pole, getting the Broncs to within 8-3 in the bottom of the fifth inning and breaking up a perfect game bid by Delaware.

“Megan's home run was an absolute laser,” Carroll said.

The Blue Hens jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, converting four hits and a Rider error.

Delaware used a walk, fielder's choice, stolen base and a run scoring triple to take a 3-0 lead in the top of the third inning.

The Blue Hens put together five hits and took advantage of another Rider error to score three times (one earned) in the top of the fourth inning, increasing the Bronc deficit to 6-0.

A two-run single in the top of the fifth inning gave Delaware an 8-0 lead.

Leading 8-3, Delaware hit a three-run home run in the top of the seventh inning, as part of a four run outburst after another Rider error, as the Blue Hens pushed the Bronc deficit up to nine runs.

Rider tried to rally in the bottom of the seventh when freshman Morgan Benedetti (Ewing) hit a bases loaded RBI single, scoring McCool who reached on her second double of the game.

“Gina (McCool) had been coming up with some big hits in conference play and also had some today,” Carroll said about her shortstop who had three hits on the day.  “Her bat is coming around and she is creeping up in the order.  She is a tough out and gives us everything she has.”

DeMello started in the circle for Rider and scattered 12 hits while allowing only five earned runs while throwing all seven innings.

“The first game would have been a whole lot closer if we don't boot the ball and lose it in the sun,” said Carroll.  “We've been playing solid defense but that wasn't a good effort at all.  Those plays need to be made.  You can't give seven unearned runs to anyone.”

Rider and Delaware last met on April 17, 2013 in Newark when the Blue Hens pulled out a 2-0 victory.

Rider and Delaware split two games in 2012 with the Broncs winning 4-0 in the opener and the Blue Hens taking the night cap 4-1 in Lawrenceville.  During the 2011 season, the teams met in Newark when the Blue Hens won 4-1 in a rain-shortened game. 

Former East Coast Conference rivals, Rider and Delaware have now met 53 times with the Blue Hens holding a 34-18-1 series lead.  The teams met in Lawrenceville in 2010 with Delaware winning 6-5 before the teams tied 4-4 in the nightcap.  Delaware won twice by 2-0 scores in Newark in 2009 and won 9-2 and 3-2 in Lawrenceville in 2008.

Rider hosts Manhattan in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference doubleheader on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

“Saturday is big,” Carroll said.  “The conference is completely wide open and the MAAC games take on a life of their own.  We are at home Saturday and Monday (vs. Saint Peter's).  We think we can win both series and we need to.”

Between games, the Broncs will celebrate senior day with Kehli Washington (Lulea, Sweden/New Rochelle) and Mary Rossi (Trenton/Notre Dame) being recognized.

-RU-