(Standish, ME) On Thursday at Bailey Field, the Rivier University Softball team split an afternoon double-header with the Saint Joseph's Monks. The Raiders notched the victory 5-3 in game one but could not complete the sweep and dropped game two 10-2 in five innings.
Game One: Rivier University 5, Saint Joseph's College 3
The Raiders notched the 5-3 victory in game one behind seven strong innings from freshman starting pitcher Libby Sammon (Rockland, MA) and homeruns by senior Marissa Mercier (North Smithfield, RI) and junior Kirstie Clark (Brentwood, NH).
The Raiders got off to a strong start after Mercier hit a two run dinger in her first at bat in the top of the first. They would strike again in the top of the third, this time off of a two RBI homer by Clark.
Saint Joseph's scored their first two runs of the game after Melissa Mayhew hit a single to left that scored runners on second and third.
The Raiders would answer with another run in the top of the fifth inning after lead-off hitter junior Nicole Peacock (Warwick, RI) doubled and scored on a wild pitch. Connie Grovo singled in the bottom half of the inning to drive in Saint Joseph's third run of the game. With the game standing at 5-3 after five innings Libby Sammon would close out the contest earning her second win of the season.
Sammon pitched her second complete game of the season allowing three runs and striking out three. The 1-2-3 combo of Peacock, Mercier, Clark combined for six hits, four RBIs and all five of the Rivier runs. Grovo and Mayhew were a combined 6 for 7 with three RBIs.
With the victory the Raiders improved to 4-7 on the season and improved to 2-1 in conference play. The loss dropped the Monk's record to 11-4 overall and 3-2 in the GNAC.
Game Two: Saint Joseph's College 10, Rivier University 2
After the close game one loss the Monks responded with a 10-2 mercy-rule shortened game. The Rivier offense was ineffective as Kayla Vannah earned the victory allowing just two runs while striking out four in five innings. Freshman Taylor Miller (Haverhill, MA) received the loss in game two after allowing four runs over an inning and a third.
Saint Joseph's was first to strike in the bottom of the first frame off of an RBI double by Theresa Hendrix. The Raiders responded in the next half inning after freshman Danielle Worthington (Uxbridge, MA) scored on a wild pitch.
The Monks capitalized in the bottom of the second scoring four runs off of four hits. Danyelle Shufelt, Lindsay Moore, and Theresa Hendrix all had RBIs in the inning to give Saint Joseph's the 5-1 lead. The Monks would add to their lead with one run in the bottom of the third, and two runs in the bottom of both the fourth and fifth innings.
The Raiders would post their second run and final of the day as Nicole Peacock scored off of a Kirstie Clark ground ball to third. Mercier and freshman Sarhara Brown (Barnstead, NH) both collected two hits on the day for Rivier.
With the loss the Raiders fell to 4-8 on the season and a .500 record in the GNAC. They return to action Friday at home when they will face Fisher College. Saint Joseph's improved to 12-4 with the victory and 4-2 in the conference. The Monks will play next on Saturday against Lasell College at home.
