Softball: Raiders suffer first loss of the season to the Eagles, 5-4.

Story written and posted by Hayden Barbosa, Rivier University Assistant Sports Information Director

(Myrtle Beach, S.C.) The Rivier University Raiders Softball team teed off against St. Elizabeth College yesterday in the first contest of the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  The Raiders didn't earn the result they wanted however there were a bunch of positives to pull from the 5-4 loss. 

Senior Casey Smith quickly returned to her thieving ways after hitting a single through left field and stealing second while freshman Brenna Welch (Ridge, N.H.) was at bat.  Welch sacrificed at first and Kasey progressed to third.  Unfortunately for the Raiders Hunter Greenleaf grounded out to second base and Kasey was caught before crossing home base. 

Senior pitcher Kellie Kennedy took the mound at the bottom of the first.  The vet struck out the first batter then the second batter grounded out to second base.  After two singles, a stolen base and a walk the Raiders second baseman caught a pop up for the third out, leaving three on base, and ending the first inning of the season.   

Sophomore Emma Rousseau (Litchfield, N.H.) cranked one into right field for a triple after freshman Alyssa Gerardi (Manchester, N.H.) grounded out to right field for the first out.  Then freshman Nicole Verrette (Haverhill, Mass.) grounded out to second base and sent Rousseau home to earn the first run of the game.  Kennedy wound up closing out the inning with three quick strike outs.

The Raiders didn't strike again until the top of the fourth after Verrette doubled down the left field line earning an RBI after sending Gerardi and freshman Erin Kelley (W. Bridgewater, Mass.) home. Increasing the gap to 3-1. 

St. Elizabeth earned four more runs before the Raiders struck again at the top of the seventh.  It was Morgan Pratt who crossed the plate after earning a double then ultimately being sent home by Smith's single.  The final score ended at 5-4 and the Raiders

The Raiders out hit the Eagles 7-6 and Kennedy earned four strikeouts in her first showing. 

Up next for the Rivier University Raiders will be the Monarchs of King's College from Allentown, Pennsylvania.