April 2, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

College Softball
Rider University 1, Canisius College 0
Canisius College 2, Rider University 1

BUFFALO, NY—The Broncs split a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference doubleheader at Canisius Sunday. Canisius is the defending MAAC Champion. “It was a beautiful day in Buffalo, as far as the weather goes,” said Rider head coach Tricia Carroll. “As far as softball goes, we had every opportunity to sweep a good team and we didn’t take advantage of it.”

In the first game, senior pitcher Heather Beintema (La Mesa, Calif./Grossmont) pitched a two-hitter, striking out six. The victory was the eighth of the season for Beintema and the 56th of her career. “Heather pitched great,” Carroll said, “and when she ran into some trouble in the second game, Lauren (Brunner) came in and pitched great, getting us out of a jam.” Brunner (Chino, CA), a freshman, allowed one hit over two innings of work.

Junior Desiree Harbaugh (Frederick, Md./Gov. Thomas Johnson) had two of Rider’s five hits, including an RBI single in the fourth inning for the only run of the game.

Sophomore Tiffany Day Neutill (Agoura Hills, Calif./Oaks Christian) also had two hits for the Broncs. “Tiffany had a great day, and the four hits were not the best part,” said Carroll. Day Neutill ran down a two-out, two runners on fly ball at the fence and caught it for the third out before running through the fence. “She took away a three-run home run in the first game, and made another spectacular catch in the second game,” said Carroll.

In the second game, Beintema started again and Rider (11-12, 1-3 MAAC) led 1-0 on an RBI single by sophomore Mandi Sekly (Canyon County, CA/Canyon).

Canisius (12-15, 3-1 MAAC) scored two runs in the fourth inning on three hits and two wild pitches.

Day Neutill had two more hits in the second game, as did junior Ashley Boulden (Brooklawn/Gloucester).

“I’m happy about beating a good team and playing right with them the second game,” said Carroll, “but we didn’t score when we needed to. Our big bats have to come up big when we get those opportunities.”

Rider hosts St. Joseph’s Tuesday.

-RU-