College Softball – Rebel Spring Games
Bucknell University 1, Rider University 0
Bucknell University 8, Rider University 1

KISSIMMEE, Fla.—The Rider University softball team was swept by Bucknell University in a doubleheader at the Rebel Spring Games Tuesday afternoon.

The Bison won 1-0 in the opener and 8-1 in the nightcap.

“The second game, we fell flat,” said head coach Jaci Timko.  “We were pressing in our at-bats and we fell short on defense late in the game.”

In game two, Rider (1-12) took a 1-0, first inning lead on a one-out RBI double to left field by senior Dana Sensi (Allentown).  That hit scored junior Josettee Spencer (Hillsborough) who had reached on a single down the left field line.

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

Bucknell took a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning on three hits, including an RBI double and added a sacrifice bunt and RBI ground out off of Bronc reliever, sophomore Kaitlyn Kallert (Woodland Park/Passaic Valley).  Kallert allowed eight runs, four earned in four innings of work, while scattering six hits.

The Bison used an RBI double and a run-scoring single, all with two outs in the fifth inning to take a 4-1 lead.

Bucknell (13-7) put the game out of reach, taking advantage of three Rider errors in the bottom of the sixth inning and the Bison capped off the frame with a two-out, two-run home run to left center field for the final score.

Rider starter, junior Megan Ailand (Burlingame, Calif./Burlingame) went the first three innings for the Broncs, allowing only two hits and no runs, leaving the game with a 1-0 lead.

Also for Rider in game two, freshman Kiera Swank (Bear, Del./Caravel Academy) had a double.

In the opener, despite a complete game four-hitter from junior Delany DeMello (Roseville, Calif./Roseville) Rider lost 1-0 after being held to one hit.

“The opening game was a mirror of the game yesterday except it didn't go our way,” Timko said.  “Delany pitched great but we just couldn't get her any runs.”

Bucknell scored in the first inning on a two-out single to left field.

Rider's only hit was a bunt single in the bottom of the first inning by Spencer.  Spencer had two of Rider's eight hits in the doubleheader.

Amanda Fazio threw a complete game for the Bison, recording 11 strikeouts to pick up her sixth win of the season.

Rider defeated Bucknell 1-0 on Monday behind five shutout innings from DeMello who gave up no hits and only one walk in 16 batters.

After an off day Wednesday, Rider returns to action against Albany and Indiana State on Thursday, the final day of the Rebel Games.

-RU-