LEESBURG, FLA. – The William Paterson softball team (4-3) put together a six-run fifth inning to help the Pioneers topple Beloit (3-8), 9-4 after being downed by Wisconsin-La Crosse (10-4), 9-3 for a day split at the Spring Games Mar. 18.
HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE:
- The Eagles accumulated seven hits in the first three innings to spark a 4-0 start.
- WP's first run came in the top of the fourth inning. Graduate student Carly McDaniel (Lincoln Park, N.J./Boonton) started the at-bat with a double to left field which was immediately followed by a single to center field by senior designated hitter Caitlin Monahan (Bloomingdale, N.J./Butler). One batter later, freshman catcher Kylie Bythrow (Deptford, N.J./Deptford) would bring McDaniel home to narrow the deficit to 4-1.
- Wisconsin-La Crosse would extend its lead quickly in the bottom of the fourth as a single to the shortstop and a two-RBI to left center would make the score 7-1 Eagles.
- The Pioneers would fight back and score two runs in the fifth inning. Junior Kilee Oertel (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) would get on base with a single to third base and be replaced by sophomore Lexi Corio (Bloomfield, N.J./Bloomfield) who subbed in to pinch run. Corio would advance to second on a single from senior Lauren Naveo (Dumont, N.J./Dumont) and reached third on a fielder's choice advance by senior Anna Nunziato (Wyckoff, N.J./Ramapo). After a successful stolen base attempt by Nunziato, McDaniel would bring both runners in on double to right field to cut the lead to 7-3.
- The Eagles would close out the game with two runs in the sixth inning for the 9-3 final.
HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST BELOIT:
- The Pioneers would find a run early in the contest in the first inning. Nunziato lead off for the Pioneers with the teams first triple of the season and was immediately brought home on a passed ball for the 1-0 advantage.
- WP would score another run in the second inning as Senior Crystal Arendas (East Rutherford, N.J./Becton Regional) would reach third base on a base-on-ball, a stolen base and a throwing error on the stolen base attempt which would set up sophomore third baseman Haley Weinberger (Williamstown, N.J./Hammonton) with a sacrifice bunt that would being Arendas in for the 2-0 William Paterson lead.
- The Buccaneers would put together a four runs on four hits in the top of the fourth inning to take the 4-2 lead.
- William Paterson cut the lead to only one run in the bottom of the third inning. Naveo and Nunziato would both single to left center. Naveo would eventually advance to third base and a sacrifice fly by Monahan brought her home to narrow the deficit to a 4-3 Beloit lead.
- The Pioneers would take over the game in the fifth inning, putting together six runs. Sophomore second baseman Gianna Fresnado started off the at-bat with a walk. Naveo would reach next on a throwing error by the third baseman which also sent Fresnado to third. A passed ball would send Fresnado home and Naveo to second. Nunziato would earn the RBI on a single through the middle which helped the Pioneers take the lead at 5-4. After a successful stolen base by Nunziato, McDaniel would also single through the middle to plate another run for WP. Monahan would continue the hit streak with a single to the shortstop and sophomore first baseman Grace Gaskill (Hamilton, N.J./Steinert) would extend the lead with a single to right center that brought home McDaniel. The big inning was not done yet as Bythrow singled through the left side which moved Gaskill to third and brought home sophomore Michaela Raguseo (Woodland Park, N.J./Passaic Valley) who subbed in to pinch run for Monahan. The explosive inning was closed out by Fresnado who sent home Gaskill on a sacrifice fly for the 9-4 advantage and eventually the win.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- McDaniel would accumulate a combined four-for-seven, three RBI, two doubles, two runs scored, and two stolen bases on the day.
- Corio would earn her second win of the season in the circle against Beloit, pitching three innings in relief and allowing only three hits.
- Nunziato finished the day four-for-seven with one RBI, one triple, three runs scored, and two stolen bases.
UP NEXT:
- William Paterson enters its final day at the Spring Games Saturday, Mar. 19 with matchups against Wisconsin-River Falls at 10:30 a.m. and Wisconsin-White Water at 12:45 p.m.
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