Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ–The Saint Peter's softball team (5-25, 2-14 MAAC) fell by a combined score of 16-0 to the Rider Broncs (18-16, 9-6 MAAC) in a Tuesday doubleheader at Herb & Joan Young Field.
Olivia Christopher paced the offense with the only multi-hit performance of the day.
The Peacocks struggled offensively in game one, combining for just two hits.
Kiana Kadena Matsuda Olivia Christopher each recorded a hit.
In game two, Saint Peter's totaled five hits, with Christopher leading the way with a 2-for-3 performance.
HOW IT HAPPENED
GAME ONE
The Peacocks recorded their only hits of the game in the opening inning. With one out,
Kiana Kadena Matsuda singled to center before
Carlee Charles drew a two-out walk.
Olivia Christopher followed with an infield single to load the bases, but the threat ended on a groundout to the pitcher.
In the bottom of the first,
Morgan Lipansky (3-7) retired the top of the Rider lineup in just seven pitches.
Rider took control in the second with a seven-run inning. After a single and a pair of walks loaded the bases, a base hit brought home the first run of the game. Freshman Melissa Purcella then launched a grand slam for her first career home run to extend the lead to 5-0. The Broncs later added a triple and a home run to cap the inning at 7-0.
The Broncs continued their momentum in the third with six more runs. Two singles opened the inning before the Peacocks recorded back-to-back outs on a
Gabriella Rivera strikeout and a flyout.
Rider then loaded the bases with a walk, and three consecutive singles drove in four runs to push the lead to 11-0. A Peacock error later in the inning allowed two more runs to score, extending the advantage to 13-0.
Cessi Prince entered the game and in the fourth, held Rider scoreless, allowing just one hit while striking out one.
Saint Peter's went down in order in the second through fifth innings.
GAME TWO
Rider opened the nightcap with a run in the first inning following a one-out double down the left-field line and a single to right to take a 1-0 lead.
The Peacocks were retired in order in both the first and third innings. Saint Peter's recorded a single from
Olivia Christopher in the second, a double from
Carlee Charles in the fourth, and a single from
Kayla Foy in the fifth.
The game remained scoreless through the second, third, and fourth innings, with
Brielle Coppola (0-8) retiring Rider in order in the second and allowing just one hit during that stretch.
The Broncs added an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth on a one-out double followed by a two-out single to make it 2-0. Rider added another run in the sixth after back-to-back one-out walks and a fielder's choice loaded the bases. A Saint Peter's error brought home the run.
The Peacocks threatened in the final frame with a one-out single from Christopher and a two-out single from
Angelina Wagner, but a flyout ended the game and secured the sweep for Rider.
UP NEXT
The Peacocks return home to host conference foe Merrimack in a three-game series at Jaroschak Field on April 11-12. Saturday's doubleheader begins at 12 p.m., followed by game two at 2 p.m. The series concludes Sunday at noon.
The series will be streamed on Peacock Digital Network.
Following Sunday's game, Saint Peter's will celebrate Family Day at Jaroschak Field with food, fun, and activities for friends and family.
For continuing coverage of Saint Peter's University Athletics, visit SaintPetersPeacocks.com and follow the Peacocks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
