Softball clinches win after four losses

By Kristie Kahl

The softball team put an end to its four-game losing streak yesterday, splitting a doubleheader against Columbia.
In the opener, the Broncs fell 5-1 to add another loss to the team’s streak.
In the sixth inning, the Broncs tied the score at one on an RBI by junior Derrin Minunni.
As the game was tied at one, Columbia scored four times in the seventh inning off of two Rider errors to pick up the win.
Freshman Kelsey Krisch picked up the loss, spreading five hits and only allowing one earned run.
In the nightcap, the Broncs responded with a win, claiming a 3-1 victory.
Rider added a run to the scoreboard in the first inning on an RBI double from sophomore Brittany Eckett. Sophomore Amanda Centeno scored for the Broncs after reaching the base on fielder’s choice.
Rider added two more runs in the third inning after Columbia allowed an error and an RBI single by junior Candice Harris.
Freshman Rachael Matreale threw a complete game, allowing seven hits with six strikeouts. Matreale now leads the team with six wins for the season.
“Both games were tough games,” Matreale said to Rider Sports Information. “I am glad we got a win out of today.  We played really solid defense and were able to drive in a few runs. I had a couple rough games where I wasn’t pitching my best and wanted to get a win under my belt before going into conference play this weekend.”
Errors were a big part in the Broncs’ non-conference doubleheader loss against Monmouth on Tuesday. The team committed eight errors on the day while the Hawks only gave up four.
In the opener, Krisch allowed only two earned runs as the Broncs were shut out 4-0.
In the loss, junior Megan Kozlowski had two of Rider’s four hits of the game.
In the night cap, Rider fell 11-6 as Harris had three of her four hits of the game as she claimed her 98th career hit.
In the fourth inning, the Broncs trailed by five until senior Katy Mills, who finished with three RBIs, hit a two-run single to put Rider on the board. Monmouth continued to slam in five more runs, creating an eight-run lead.
Rather than falling to the mercy rule, Rider scored four times in the sixth inning to make it a 10-6 game. The response was led by senior Clarissa Ortiz as she knocked in an RBI single while Harris followed with a two-run single.
“I was happy that we kept working and didn’t give up,” Carroll said to Rider Sports Information. “We could have easily just thrown it in when it was 10-2 with one out in the sixth and we didn’t. We battled and that is a positive we can build on.”
The Hawks notched on another run as the Broncs would get not closer to redemption.
Rider will continue their conference schedule on the road against St. Peter’s in a doubleheader tomorrow at 1 p.m.