Softball: Raiders Drop Two in against Saint Joseph (Conn.)

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier University Softball team dropped a pair of softball contests against the Blue Jays of the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) Saturday afternoon in a GNAC double-header.  The Raiders who drop to 8-20 (3-11 GNAC) on the season fell in the contests 6-3 and 2-0.  Due to weather, the GNAC contest for April 15 at Simmons College has been postponed. The Raiders' next doubleheader will now be on Wednesday, April 18 at 5:00 p.m. when they head to Weston, Mass. to take on the Pride of Regis College.    

Game 1: University of Saint Joseph 6, Rivier University 3 (Final)

The Raiders opened the second inning with a single by Mikayla Ramsdell (Salem, N.H.) who then stole second base.  She then moved to third on a fielder's choice.  Senior Evelyn Susko (Hudson, N.H.) singled to left center to put the Raider's up 1-0.

Saint Joseph added a run in the top of the fourth inning to knot the game at 1-1.  With two outs and Susko on first base, Morgan Pratt (Pelham, N.H.) singled down the right field line to put runners on first and second.  Runners advanced on a wild pitch before Katie Welch (Wilmington, Mass.) double to left field scoring both Susko and Pratt to give the Raiders a 3-1 lead. 

The Raiders would hold the 3-1 lead until the top of the 7^th inning where the Blue Jays would add five runs to go ahead 6-3.  Rivier's offense was unable to rebuttal in the bottom half of the inning finalizing game one 6-3 in Saint Joseph's favor.

Taylor Rowsell (Chelmsford, Mass.) took the loss in the circle after relieving Kellie Kennedy (Hudson, N.H.) in the circle.  Kennedy left runners on the corners at the time of her relief, surrendering seven hits, three runs, and striking out two batters.  Rowsell in one inning of relief gave up four hits and three runs in the loss.

Amaria Sharon earned the victory pitching a complete game giving up 10 hits, three runs, and fanning five.  Sharon also led the Blue Jays offensively going 3-for-4 at the plate with three singles.

Game 2:  University of Saint Joseph 2, Rivier University 0 (Final)

The Blue Jay offense continued their offensive momentum in the second game taking a quick 1-0 lead over the Raiders on a fielder's choice followed by a double to right field to score the runner from first base. 

The Raiders threatened after a single by Jess Silva (Tewksbury, Mass.) who moved over to third on two wild pitches, but they were unable to capitalize in the situation.  Rivier had another opportunity to score in the second inning, but a strikeout swinging ended the inning. 

Saint Joseph added another run in the third inning to go up 2-0 over Rivier after a walk put a runner on first, she moved over on a wild pitch, and scored on an error by the Raider shortstop.  Silva was hit by a pitch to put the final base runner on board for Rivier. 

The Raiders went 1-2-3 in the final four frames of the match-up.  Silva got the lone hit of the game in the first inning singling through the left side. 

Roswell took the loss in the circle giving up four hits, two runs, and fanning three batters.  Alessandra Milardo took the victory for Saint Joseph shutting out the Raiders, allowing only one hit and striking out five.