BOX SCORE

MONTCLAIR, N.J. -- Fourth-seeded and 23rd-ranked William Paterson (30-12) was eliminated from the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Softball Tournament, suffering a 1-0 loss at No. 12 Montclair State (37-5) May 4.

After a sixth-inning leadoff single and two fielder's choices to put out the lead runner, Shannon Mozek singled to right-center field to plate Stephanie Szeliga for the game's only run.

Sophomore pitcher Rachel Cannata (Waldwick, N.J./Paramus Catholic) worked out of numerous jams, as MSU owned an 11-6 edge in runners left on base.  A flyout stranded two during the top of the second, and a play at third base ended the third with the bases loaded.  One of Cannata's three strikeouts stranded three bases runners at the end of the fifth frame.

William Paterson's best chance came with runners on the corners and two outs during the bottom of the third inning, but a grounder back to the pitcher resulted in the third out being recorded at home plate.  A pair of two-out singles gave the Pioneers a chance in the bottom of the seventh, but a fly ball to center field ended the contest.

Cannata, sophomore shortstop Katelyn Miele (Flanders, N.J./Pope John XXIII), senior third baseman Jessica Maciolek (Hamilton, N.J./Steinert) and freshman catcher Lachelle Rouse (Pine Hill, N.J./Overbrook Senior) accounted for WP's four hits.  Cannata fell to 6-5, walking four and scattering eight hits over 7.0 innings.

Red Hawk sophomore Alex Hill improved to 25-2, striking out five and walking one Pioneer.