WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson softball team (14-19, 4-12 NJAC) suffered defeats in both matchups against NJAC rival Kean (20-14, 7-7 NJAC) April 27, losing 11-1 and 12-2.

GAME ONE
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Cougars put the first two runs on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth inning on RBI-singles down the left line and to center field for a 2-0 lead.
• WP cut the deficit to 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning as a sacrifice bunt by junior Shannon Wall (Pequannock, N.J./Pequannock) to advance junior third baseman Kilee Oertel (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) to second, turned into a run scored on a throwing error by the second baseman.
• Kean extended its advantage in the top of the sixth inning with four runs on five hits for a 6-1 edge.
• The Cougars closed out the game with a five-run seventh inning for the 11-1 victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Freshman pitcher Jaelynn Miller (Oxford, N.J./Warren Hills) pitched 6.1 innings in the circle (6-8), allowing 10 hits, seven runs (six earned runs) and striking out six batters.
• Sophomore Grace Gaskill (Hamilton, N.J./Steinert) recorded the lone hit for the Pioneers.

GAME TWO
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Kean took the 1-0 advantage in the the top of the first as a steal attempt allowed the runner on third to make it home.
• William Paterson answered quickly in the bottom of first inning. Senior center fielder Lauren Naveo (Dumont, N.J./Dumont) led off with a single to third base and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by senior left fielder Jillian Bigos (Red Bank, N.J./Middletown South) as well as a ground out by graduate student shortstop Carly McDaniel (Lincoln Park, N.J./Boonton). Naveo reached home on an RBI-single through the right side by Miller, tying the game at 1-1.
• The Cougars retook the lead in the top of the second inning on an RBI-single to left field for a 2-1 lead.
• Kean extended its lead to 6-1 in the top of the third inning with four runs on six hits.
• The Pioneers added a run in the bottom of the third inning. Sophomore second baseman Haley Weinberger (Williamstown, N.J./Hammonton) started the frame with a single up the middle and advanced to second on a single to left field by Naveo. Weinberger got caught stealing third, but allowed Naveo to advance to second. Naveo reached third on a passed ball and was plated by McDaniel who lasered an RBI-double to left center, making the score 6-2 Kean.
• The Cougars added three runs in the top of the fourth for a 9-2 advantage.
• Kean put the game out of reach in the top of the seventh inning with a three-run homer over the center field fence for a 12-2 win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Sophomore Lexi Corio (Bloomfield, N.J./Bloomfield) pitched 3.0 innings (6-4) allowing 11 hits and six runs while striking out two batters. Junior Gabriella Brancaccio (Kendall Park, N.J./South Brunswick) came in for 3.1 relief innings, allowing eight hits and six runs.
• Naveo finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored.
• Weinberger batted 2-for-3 in the contest.

UP NEXT:

• William Paterson hosts its final home doubleheader Thursday, April 27, against Stevens with game one starting at 3:00 p.m.

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