Softball Takes Two From Quinnipiac
Sports

Softball Takes Two from Quinnipiac

After splitting a pair of games on Wednesday, April 5 to Wagner and Saturday, April 8 to Rider, the softball team swept a doubleheader from Quinnipiac on Sunday, April 9.

The Hawks won both games against Quinnipiac 2-1 thanks to senior infielder Rachel Shotzbarger’s two-RBI double during the sixth inning of game one and a two-run home run during the sixth inning of game two.

“I had just been really locked in all day, and I was seeing the ball well so I was ready to hit.” said Shotzbarger after the second game on Sunday.

In game one, junior right-handed pitcher Amanda Riley finished the game with a complete game three hitter in the win allowing only one run. She struck out eight batters and threw 101 pitches, 69 of which were strikes. In game two, senior left-handed pitcher Sydney Underhill tossed a complete game, allowing only five hits and one earned run in the win. She struck out five and threw 98 pitches, 61 strikes.

“It took us a little bit to get on the board, and that’s a credit to both of their pitchers. But we stayed aggressive and were trying to make things happen.” said Head Coach Shannon Salsburg. “[Shotzbarger] had a great day yesterday and came up huge today. It’s fun to see her locked in. Everyday matters in the MAAC and to get off the split train is fantastic. I’m proud of our players; we pitched well, played defense and hit the ball, so it was great.”

On April 5, MU split the series against Wagner, winning game one 4-3, then losing game two 5-3 in 11 innings. Thanks to back-to-back home runs from senior first baseman Justene Reyes and junior catcher Alex Holzman in the fifth, they would take and end up securing the win for the Hawks, with Riley tossing the complete game win.

On April 8, MU split with Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) foe Rider, losing game one 8-7 and winning game two 11-1, needing only five innings to secure the win. Shotzbarger finished game two 3-3, with two home runs, four runs batted in, and two runs scored. Underhill earned the win, giving up only two hits on one earned run.

“I am proud of the way our team came back in game two today.” said Salsburg. “They played well and really came together. Sydney pitched a great game and we had some huge hits. Rachel really led the way offensively in game two.”

Junior outfielder Chloe Howerth finished game two 3-4 with three runs scored. Reyes finished 2-2 with five RBIs.

The Hawks, who are now 12-19 overall and 4-2 in the MAAC, return to action on Friday, April 14, with a home doubleheader against Fairfield, followed by a doubleheader against Iona on Saturday, April 15.

PHOTO COURTESY of Karlee Sell