Montclair State University split their doubleheader against 16th ranked Rowan University on Saturday, March 31. This is the first time these two rivals faced each other this season.
In the first game of the doubleheader, the Red Hawks lost to the Profs by the score of 5-0, ending the Red Hawks’ four-game winning streak. The Profs limited the Red Hawks to three hits, thanks to their pitcher Jesse DoDeminico, who struck out five Red Hawks.
Both teams remained scoreless in the first three innings. Later on, the Profs took advantage in the fourth inning by an RBI double from the second baseman, Sonia Sharma. Profs left fielder, Rebecca Lombardo extended the Profs to 2-0 by getting a bases loaded walk.
During the fifth inning of the opener, Sharma responded again by singling to center to put the Profs up 3-0. Sharma, at the end of the game was 2-4 with a run and two RBI.
Afterward, Profs shortstop Carly Anderson hit a solo home run that set the Profs’ lead to 4-0. Profs accumulated two hits and a run at the top of the sixth inning. They would cap their scoring in the seventh on a throwing error that brought in a run.
Red Hawks needed to respond after their disappointing performance in the previous game. At the top of the second inning, the Profs continued their execution by Anderson, with an incredible hit up the middle that gave the Pros the lead. Followed by that hit, Profs’ DoDeminico singled up a hit to center field that set the lead to 2-0.
Coming in to the third inning, things started to go the Red Hawks’ way. The Red Hawks made some adjustments that eventually paid off, scoring their first four runs of the game. Freshman shortstop Amber Powers set the tempo by getting the team’s first score. After that, Red Hawks junior left fielder Victoria Gehring secured a hit that put Powers to second base and sophomore pitcher Valentina Cucci to third. Red Hawks continued by a couple of hits from junior first baseman Samantha DiCimienti and senior catcher Alana Luna.
Heading into the fourth inning, Gehring continued her marvelous play by putting the Red Hawks’ lead to four by scoring two RBI. Gehring finished the game, going 2-3 with three RBI and a walk. In addition, Powers went 2-3 as well, with an RBI and a walk.
They capped off the game in the fifth inning by Kaylee Powers getting an RBI, and Luna getting an RBI in the sixth inning. Ultimately, Red Hawks would win the game, 8-2.
Profs had no answer for the Red Hawks after having success in the first two innings. For the most part, they struggled throughout the second game, committing four errors yet accumulating eight hits. The Red Hawks’ next game was postponed Tuesday, but they will see action as they play Drew University in another doubleheader on Thursday, April 5.
