April 9, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

College Softball
Manhattan College 5, Rider University 3
Manhattan College 4, Rider University 3

LAWRENCEVILLE—The Broncs lost a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference doubleheader to Manhattan Sunday, losing both games in the final inning. “With 21 runners left on base in two games, we have to do a better job getting the runners in,” said Rider head coach Tricia Carroll.

In the first game, Manhattan scored three runs in the seventh inning, two on a home run by Michele Gutierez, for the come-from-behind victory, as Rider left 12 runners on base.

Rider took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run single by junior Nichole Mears (Simi Valley, Calif./Royal). Senior Jamie Farley (Clifton) hit an RBI single in the second inning to give Rider a 3-1 lead. “Bottom line, we are continually in situations to blow games wide open and we have bad at-bats at crucial times,” said Carroll.

Sophomore Tiffany Day Neutill (Agoura Hills, Calif./Oaks Christian) had three of Rider’s 12 hits in the first games, while freshman Katy Mills (Seattle, Wash./Mount Rainier), junior Ashley Boulden (Brooklawn/Gloucester) and Mears had two each.

In the second game, Rider (12-15, 1-5 MAAC) took a 3-1 lead in the fourth inning on hits by senior Jill Carrabus (Bellport, NY) and Mears, and two Manhattan errors.

The Jaspers (15-13, 2-2 MAAC) tied the score in the fifth inning with two runs on a pair of walks, a sacrifice bunt, a wild pitch and a two-run single by former Bronc Kiera Fox. Fox had all four RBI in the second game.

Boulden had two more hits in the second game and four hits on the day. “We got down and we tried to battle back, we just came up short this game,” said Boulden.

Rider hosts Marist in a MAAC doubleheader Monday at 2pm. Marist was rained out on Saturday. “Marist is a really good team,” said Boulden. “They have a really good record.  We just have to go out and play hard and leave it all on the field.”

 “We have really dug ourselves in a hole at 1-5 in the conference,” Carroll said.  “Tomorrow (Monday) we are facing Marist, which is the hottest team in the conference.  Their starting pitcher has an ERA below one run a game.”

-RU-