MADISON, N.J. – The William Paterson softball team (14-15) saw a split on the road at Drew (21-12), April 21, shutting out the Rangers 2-0 in game one, but falling in game two, 3-1.
GAME ONE
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The Pioneers struck early with two runs in the top of the first inning. Senior shortstop Anna Nunziato (Wyckoff, N.J./Ramapo) led off with a single up the middle and stole second. Graduate student third baseman Carly McDaniel (Lincoln Park, N.J./Boonton) singled to right field on her at-bat and advanced to second while Nunziato advanced to third. Freshman pitcher Jaelynn Miller (Oxford, N.J./Warren Hills) reached first on a throwing error by the third baseman that allowed Nunziato and McDaniel to reach home plate for a 2-0 start.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Miller earned the shutout victory (6-5), giving up only three hits and striking out nine batters.
- Nunziato and McDaniel each collected a hit and a run for WP.
GAME TWO
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- William Paterson took a 1-0 advantage in the top of the third inning. Junior pitcher Gabriella Brancaccio (Kendall Park, N.J./South Brunswick) walked during her at-bat and was advanced to third on a single bunt by Nunziato and an error by the first baseman. Senior center fielder Lauren Naveo (Dumont, N.J./Dumont) earned an RBI-single to the shortstop, plating Brancaccio.
- The Rangers evened the score in the bottom of the fifth inning with an RBI-single up the middle for a 1-1 score.
- Drew took the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning on a two-RBI bunt for a 3-1 edge.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Brancaccio pitched 4.0 innings, allowing three hits and one run scored while Miller pitched 2.0 innings, allowing three hits and two runs.
- Naveo finished the game 2-for-3 with an RBI.
- Nunziato and Monahan each secured hits for the Pioneers.
UP NEXT:
- William Paterson travels to Stockton Saturday, April 23, for a twinbill starting at 1:00 p.m.
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