GALLOWAY, N.J. – The William Paterson softball team (14-17, 4-10 NJAC) pressed conference foe Stockton (20-14, 7-7 NJAC) in two eight-inning games, but ultimately fell in both, 4-3 and 5-4, April 23
GAME ONE
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The Pioneers struck early in the top of the first inning as senior shortstop Anna Nunziato (Wyckoff, N.J./Ramapo) doubled in the first at-bat and was sent home for a 1-0 lead on a single to center field by graduate student third baseman Carly McDaniel (Lincoln Park, N.J./Boonton).
- WP found another run in the top of the second inning for a 2-0 edge. Freshman catcher Kylie Bythrow (Deptford, N.J./Deptford) singled in the lead off and advanced to second base on a sacrifice by junior right fielder Shannon Wall (Pequannock, N.J./Pequannock). Sophomore designated player Gianna Mulato (Pompton Plains, N.J./Pequannock Twp.) earned the RBI-single on a shot to center field, plating Bythrow for the run.
- William Paterson extended its lead to 3-0 in the top of the third inning. Senior center fielder Lauren Naveo (Dumont, N.J./Dumont) singled down the left field line to start the frame and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Senior first baseman Caitlin Monahan (Bloomingdale, N.J./Butler) walked during her at-bat and stole second while Naveo stole third. Freshman pitcher Jaelynn Miller (Oxford, N.J./Warren Hills) grounded out to second base but was able to drive home Naveo for the RBI.
- The Ospreys evened the score, 3-3 in the bottom of the fifth inning with three runs on three hits.
- The game entered extra innings where Stockton secured the win on an RBI-single up the middle for the 4-3 victory.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Miller suffered the loss on the mound (6-7), pitching a complete game while allowing six hits, two earned runs, and four strikeouts.
- Mulato earned the RBI on her only at-bat of the contest.
- Nunziato finished 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored.
GAME TWO
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The Pioneers put the first run of the game on the board during the top of the second inning. Bythrow reached first on a hit by pitch on the lead-off at-bat and was replaced by junior Lindsey Wall (Pequannock, N.J./Pequannock), who came in to pinch run. Mulato singled down the right field line, advancing Wall to second. Mulato and Wall each advanced on a sacrifice bunt by junior third baseman Kilee Oertel (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg). Sophomore pitcher Lexi Corio (Bloomfield, N.J./Bloomfield) reached first on a throwing error by the pitcher which allowed Wall to make it home for the 1-0 advantage.
- Stockton took the edge during the bottom of the second inning on a two-RBI double to center field for the 2-1 lead.
- The Ospreys extended its lead to 3-1 on a bases-loaded error.
- Stockton went up 4-1 on a single-RBI to left field, bringing home the runner on second.
- WP tied the game, 4-4 in the top of the seventh inning. McDaniel walked to first and advanced to second as Sophomore second baseman Haley Weinberger (Williamstown, N.J./Hammonton) was hit by a pitch. Naveo earned a bunt single to give the Pioneers a bases-loaded situation. Miller singled to center field, bringing home McDaniel for the inning's first run. Bythrow pinch hit and earned the RBI-single with a single through the left side, plating Weinberger. Naveo brought in the tying run on a wild pitch.
- The Ospreys scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning on a fielder's choice for a 5-4 win.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Corio suffered the loss in the circle (6-3), pitching a complete game while allowing 10 hits, three earned runs and three strikeouts.
- Naveo went 3-for-4 with a run scored.
- Miller finished 2-for-4 with an RBI.
UP NEXT:
- William Paterson returns to Pioneer Softball Field Tuesday, April 26 for an NJAC twinbill against Kean starting at 3:00 p.m.
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