March 28, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

College Softball
Rider University 4, Lafayette College 1
Rider University 8, Lafayette College 0
 

EASTON, PA—The Broncs swept Lafayette Tuesday behind solid pitching and the hitting of junior Desiree Harbaugh (Frederick, Md./Gov. Thomas Johnson). “We hit the ball well today, especially Des,” said Rider head coach Tricia Carroll. “It was nice to put together good offense and good defense in the same game.”

In the first game, Harbaugh homered in the sixth inning for the final score. “That is what Desiree can do,” said Carroll. “They were flat-out bombs she hit today.”

The Broncs got on the board in the first inning when junior Ashley Boulden (Brooklawn, N.J./Gloucester) doubled and scored on a double by sophomore Tiffany Day Neutill (Agoura Hills, Calif./Oaks Christian).

Senior Jen Cullen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Immaculata) doubled to lead off the third inning and scored on another double by Boulden to give Rider a 3-1 lead.

Senior pitcher Heather Beintema (La Mesa, Calif./Grossmont) struck out 13 batters while improving to 6-2 on the season. “We had good pitching today,” Carroll said.

For Beintema, it was career win number 54. Already the Rider record holder for strikeouts in a season and in a career, Beintema now has 61 strikeouts in 52 innings this season, and 601 strikeouts for her career.

In the second game, freshman Laci Landrum (Grand Praire, Texas/So. Grand Praire) pitched a one-hitter to even her record at 3-3. “Laci is going to be a very good pitcher,” said Carroll. “Today was not her finest performance, yet she only allowed one hit. She pitched well in the fourth and fifth innings, and we played decent defense behind her.”

Rider (9-8) scored five runs in the second inning on four hits, the biggest a two-run home run by Harbaugh. “Des had some good at bats today, and not just the home runs,” Carroll said. “She was behind 0-2 and worked a walk, which is a quality at bat. She works hard to get better, and always puts forth a good effort.”

Day Neutill and senior Jamie Farley (Clifton) hit back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning to give Rider a 7-0 lead.

Cullen, Boulden, Day Neutill, and Harbaugh all had three hits on the day.

Rider plays at Columbia Thursday.

-RU-