LAWRENCEVILLE--The Broncs split a doubleheader with Saint Joseph’s Tuesday. “In the first game we weren’t hitting the ball, so it was nice to come up with the big hits at the end when we needed them,” said Rider head coach Tricia Carroll.

In the first game, junior Desiree Harbaugh (Frederick, Md./Gov. Thomas Johnson) hit a bases loaded single with one out in the seventh inning to drive in the winning run in the come-from-behind victory. “I like batting in those situations,” said Harbaugh.  “Today I wasn’t hitting real well up to that point, so I was just trying to make contact, make something happen.”

“Des came up big, again,” said Carroll.  “She’s a clutch hitter.”

Senior Jill Carrabus (Bellport, NY) led off the seventh inning with a single, and pinch hitter Kristen Kenavan (Staten Island, NY/Tottenville) reached base on a catcher’s interference. Senior Jen Cullen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Immaculata) hit an RBI double and junior Ashley Boulden (Brooklawn/Gloucester) hit an RBI single to tie the score at 2-2.  Boulden and Carrabus each had two of Rider’s eight hits.

Sophomore Jessica Holland (Hatboro, PA/Hatboro-Horsham) pitched the final four innings, striking out three for the victory.

In the second game, St. Joseph’s (10-21) scored four runs in the first inning on six hits, and took a 5-0 lead in the second.   Rider (12-13) cut the lead to 5-4 in the fifth inning when senior Jamie Farley (Clifton) hit an RBI double and Harbaugh hit an RBI single.

Boulden and sophomore Tiffany Day Neutill (Agoura Hills, Calif./Oaks Christian) each had three hits in the second game and five hits on the day. “Ashley had a good day and Tiffany has just been on fire,” said Carroll. Day-Neutill was five for six on the day, raising her team-leading batting average to .431.

Junior Nichole Mears (Simi Valley, Calif./Royal) had two hits in the second game, giving her 100 for her career. “I knew I was getting close, but I didn’t know exactly how many hits I needed,” said Mears, who becomes Rider’s 36th member of the 100-hit club. “I’d like to finish in the top ten,” said Mears. “I think I’m on track to do that. I’ve been struggling the last few games, which were on the road, so it was nice to get the 100th hit at home.”

Rider’s game at St. John’s scheduled for Wednesday was canceled. The Broncs host Marist in a MAAC doubleheader Saturday.

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