MONTCLAIR, N.J. – The William Paterson softball team (13-14 NJAC 4-8) overcame a 4-0 deficit in game two with six unanswered runs to secure a 6-4 win, after suffering a 7-3 defeat in game one to Montclair State (19-14, 3-9 NJAC), April 19.
GAME ONE
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- A solo home run to left field gave the Red Hawks a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.
- Montclair State collected a pair of runs during the bottom of the third inning on a ground out RBI and a double to left center, extending the advantage to 3-0.
- The Red Hawks widened the gap to 7-0 in the bottom of the fourth on a single RBI to left center and a three-run homer over the left center fence.
- WP scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning. Junior pinch hitter Kilee Oertel (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) singled to left center. Sophomore second baseman Haley Weinberger (Williamstown, N.J./Hammonton) re-entered into the lineup for Oertel and advanced to second on a single to left field by senior center fielder Lauren Naveo (Dumont, N.J./Dumont). A throwing error by the shortstop allowed graduate student third baseman Carly McDaniel (Lincoln Park, N.J./Boonton) to reach first and advance to second while also sending Naveo to third and plating Weinberger. Senior first baseman Caitlin Monahan (Bloomingdale, N.J./Butler) stepped up next at-bat and delivered a two-RBI double to right field, bringing home McDaniel and Naveo for a 7-3 score.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Monahan collected a season-high three hits, finishing 3-for-4 with two RBI and two doubles
- Freshman pitcher Jaelynn Miller (Oxford, N.J./Warren Hills) hit 3-for-4 in the contest while also pitching 4.2 innings inside the circle (4-5).
- Senior shortstop Anna Nunziato (Wyckoff, N.J./Ramapo), Naveo, freshman catcher Kylie Bythrow (Deptford, N.J./Deptford) and Oertel all collected hits for the Pioneers.
GAME TWO
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Montclair scored the first run of the contest during the bottom of the first inning on an RBI-single down the left field line for a 1-0 edge.
- A pair of runs on a single to left field and a bases-loaded walk extended the Red Hawks advantage to 3-0.
- Montclair increased its lead to 4-0 on a ground out RBI that drove in the runner from third.
- The Pioneers rallied back with a four-run top of the fifth inning to tie the game, 4-4. Bythrow started the frame with a reach on a fielding error and was replaced by Senior pinch runner Jillian Bigos (Red Bank, N.J./Middletown South). Oertel subbed in to pinch hit and singled to right field, advancing Bigos to second. Naveo crushed a two-RBI double to left center, plating Bigos and Oertel while advancing to third on the throw home. McDaniel walked during the next at-bat and was followed up by a two-RBI double from Monahan to right field, bringing home Naveo and McDaniel.
- William Paterson took the lead with a pair of runs in the top of the seventh inning. Nunziato reached first on a throwing error and advanced to second on a Naveo single through the left side. Nunziato and Naveo each successfully stole bases and a throwing error on the throw to third to get Nunziato out, allowed her to reach home for the game-leading run. Monahan stepped in and singled to the shortstop, advancing Naveo to third. WP successfully executed a double steal as Monahan stole second which allowed Naveo to steal home for the 6-4 edge.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Miller secured the win inside the circle (5-5), pitching 5.2 innings while allowing only one hit and one run.
- Naveo finished 2-for-4 with two RBI, two doubles, and two runs scored.
- Monahan batted 2-for-4 with two RBI and two doubles.
UP NEXT:
- William Paterson continues its road contests Thursday, April 21, with a doubleheader matchup at Drew starting at 3:00 p.m.
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