Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey softball team (11-11, 3-5 NJAC) suffered a sweep at the hands of sixth ranked Rowan University (25-3, 6-2 NJAC). The Profs took the opening contest 3-1 in eight innings and the nightcap 12-1 in five frames.
As expected, pitching dominated game one with both teams scraping across just a single run through the regulation seven frames. The Profs opened the scoring in the top of the fourth when a poor throw following a strikeout allowed Cassandra Gerard to score from second base.
The Lions rallied back in the bottom of the fourth with a lead-off single by
Jess Santelli (Hillsborough, NJ / Hillsborough). Two batters later with Santelli on third base,
Danielle Carey (Maple Shade, NJ / Maple Shade) delivered a two out single back up the middle to knot the game at one.
In the extra frame the Profs took advantage of a fielding error on the sacrifice bunt attempt to open the inning. Pitcher turned right fielder Jesse DeDomeico followed with a single through the right side and third baseman Cassandra Gerard tacked on a sacrifice fly and the Lions were unable to respond.
Lauren Shannon pitched four innings of shutout relief to record her 11
th win of the season.
Sam Platt (Cedar Grove, NJ / Mount Saint Dominic Academy) went the distance for the Lions, striking out six and allowing just three unearned runs in the loss.
Game two began much like the first with the teams combining for just one hit through the opening two frames. The top of the third began innocently with a pop up to third base. Gerard hit a single up the middle and the Lions record a strikeout. The next six batters would reach safely, capped by a three-run double by Mia Baldassari. By the time the dust settled, the Profs held a 6-0 advantage.
The Lions got on the board in the bottom of the fourth when Santelli doubled home
Annalise Suitovsky (Warren Twp., NJ / Watchung Hills), but that was as close as the Lions would get. In the top of the fifth the first six Profs reached safely capped by a grand slam by Morgan Smith, her team leading fifth homer of the season.
Shannon pitched a complete game to earn her second victory of the day.
The Lions return to action Saturday, April 15 at 1:00 PM for a conference double header against Ramapo College.
