Fans of the Montclair State University Red Hawks softball team were disappointed by their performance Saturday against The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) Lions.
It wasn’t the type of performance the Red Hawks and fans anticipated. Red Hawks were swept in the doubleheader against the Lions by the scores of 5-0 and 4-0.
The Lions grabbed the first lead in game one in the top of the first when third baseman Lauren Conroy hit a double to left field, bringing right fielder Katie Winchock home. Later on, the Lions catcher Jess McGuire smashed a home run to left field, as the Lions managed to gain a 3-0 lead.
During the top of the fifth inning, the Lions increased the lead to four once Winchock grabbed home base after a sacrifice fly to center field by McGuire.
In the top of the sixth, the Lions scored one more run by first baseman Elyse Nardozza reached on a fielder’s choice, allowing center fielder Gabby Bennett to score. Ultimately, the Lions finished the first game with the win.
Throughout game one, the Red Hawks were unable to score a run. The Lions proceeded in the first game with their amazing defense and strategy.
Lions pitcher Eliza Sweet finished the game, pitching a four-hit shutout and striking out the Red Hawks five times. In addition, McGuire finished going 1-3 at the plate with a home run and three RBIs. On the other side of the plate, Red Hawks designated player Kaylee Powers went 2-3.
In game two, the Lions and Red Hawks made changes at the pitcher position with Alanna Namit replacing for Sweet, while Red Hawk Valentina Cucci subbed in for Nicole Majewski.
Red Hawks sophomore Amber Powers fields a ground ball and throws it to first base.
Ben Caplan | The Montclarion
Both teams were held scoreless, until the top of the third when Winchock doubled down to the left field line, as left fielder Allie Immerso advanced home.
Throughout the entire game, TCNJ continued the momentum and neutralized the Red Hawks offense. Afterward, TCNJ would score three more runs at the top of the fifth, finishing the game with the victory.
Namit ended the game with a four-hit shutout, plus striking out the Red Hawks eight times. Conroy also went 2-4 at the plate, scoring one run and two RBIs. The Red Hawks third baseman Elena Radesich went 3-3 at the plate.
Like the previous game, the Red Hawks would go without a run. This was the first time this season the Red Hawks went scoreless not only in a game but also in a series. Powers spoke on the Red Hawks offensive performance.
“We only had a few hits each game and didn’t take advantage of opportunities when we did have runners on to score,” Powers said. “The loss was a little frustrating. It was the first time we had been swept this season so far so it was upsetting.”
After losing the doubleheader, Red Hawks have now lost three consecutive games, moving their record to 24-8 on the season. As for the Lions, their record now moves to 23-5.
Powers also discussed how the Red Hawks will move on from this defeat.
“I think it will give us more motivation to win the rest of our games and to not be swept again the rest of the season,” Powers said.
