Softball splits weekend double-headers in Connecticut

(Nashua, NH) The Rivier University Sotball team was on the road this past weekend to play a pair of Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) double-headers. On Saturday the Riaders traveled to West Haven, Connecticut where they were able to sweep the Albertus Magnus Falcons by scores of 6-3 and 5-0. Sunday the Raiders returned to Connecticut to face the University of St. Joseph Bluejays. The weekend contests leave the Raiders with a 15-17 record and an even 11-11 conference record. Albertus Magnus' record fell to 13-22 and 6-15 in conference play. With the sweep of Rivier the Bluejays eclipsed the 30-win mark with a 30-10 overall record and 18-6 GNAC record.

Saturday April 20

Game One: Rivier University 6, Albertus Magnus College 3

After being unable to score a single run through the first five innings, the Raiders posted a six spot in the top of the sixth to take the eventual 6-3 victory in game one. Junior Hillary Tarr was on the rubber for the Raiders and she contained the Falcons by allowing three runs in her complete game of work. She was aided by her offense in the sixth inning which would bat around the order in an explosive half an inning. The Raider batters remained patient as multiple walks and Falcon fielding errors contributed to the Rivier victory. Freshman Danielle Worthington (Uxbridge, MA) drove in the first Rivier run off of an RBI single with runners on second and third. Three batters later, junior Nicole Peacock (Warwick, RI) walked to bring in the second Rivier run. With the bases loaded junior Kirstie Clark (Brentwood, NH) hit a bases loaded single to drive in three runs. She would score soon after on a wild pitch. This would be all the offense the Raiders would need as they took the 6-1 lead.

Jackie Medina earned the start for the Falcons in game one and she was tagged for six runs on five hits, while walking seven and striking out eight. Her team was unable to provide all the support she needed as they scored off of an RBI triple in the third inning and the sixth inning.

Game Two: Rivier University 5, Albertus Magnus College 0

The Rivier offense would keep rolling as they earned the victory behind freshman starting pitcher Taylor Miller (Haverhill, MA). Miller allowed just six hits in the complete game shutout victory with six strikeouts. In the top of the first inning senior captain Marissa Mercier (North Smithfield, RI) singled to drive in a Peacock. Mercier would score three batters later on a fielder's choice by freshman Sahara Brown (Barnstead, NH). Rivier would score another run in the top of the second as freshman Lia Bobek (Hollis, NH) would cross the plate on a wild pitch. Rivier would cap off the 5-0 victory with runs in the fourth and sixth inning which include an RBI single by Tarr.

After Amanda Green gave up two runs in the opening inning, she was replaced by game one starter Jackie Medina. Medina pitched six innings, struck out six and walked six. Alyssa Puccilli and Isabel Lopez each collected two hits for Albertus Magnus in the loss.

Sunday April 21

Game One: University of St. Joseph 7, Rivier University 1

After Nicole Peacock reached and advanced to third on an error by the centerfielder, Mercier grounded to second base to drive in the lone Raider run in the game. Tarr notched the start for Rivier and allowed only four hits through five innings but the Bluejays exploded for seven runs in the bottom of the sixth to earn the 7-1 victory.

The Bluejays were led by pitcher Patti Sciglimpaglia who struck out four and allowed just three this in seven innings of work. She contributed to her cause by going 2-for-3 at the plate including an RBI double and scoring a run. Five different Bluejays drove in runs for the victors.

Game Two: University of St. Joseph 3, Rivier University 2

The Raiders lost a close game two after rallying to tie the game at two in the top of the sixth inning. After a single by Peacock, Mercier dropped a bomb to score both of the Raider runs. Miller was in the circle for Rivier in game two and allowed only two earned runs in her six innings of work. Rivier received hits by Clark and Brown but would be unable to score the extra runs for the victory.

Emily Hummel pitched the Bluejays to complete the sweep of Rivier as she struck out four and allowed two runs and six hits in the contest. Hummel and Mary Sciglimpaglia collected RBI singles to left field in both the second and fifth innings. The game winning run came off a double by Hilary LaRosa in the bottom of the sixth.

RIvier will close out their season on April 22 when they will face conference opponents Emerson College in a double-header under the lights on Raider Diamond. Rivier is currently seventh in the conference standings and will look to make a run in the GNAC Tournament.