(Nashua, NH) The Rivier University Softball team dropped a pair of Great Northeast Athletic Conference contests this afternoon to visiting Johnson and Wales University, 3-1 and 7-4. The Raiders are now 9-12 overall and an even 6-6 in the GNAC. The Wildcats improve to 13-13 and 8-6.
Game One: Johnson & Wales University 3, Rivier University 1 (Final)
The Raiders allowed two runs in the seventh as the Wildcats stole game one of the afternoon's double-header, 3-1.
With the bases loaded and one out, JWU's Carly Cabral singled home Robyn Ziegler before Rachael Marino crossed the plate on a Raider error.
Rivier was able to take the early lead as senior Marissa Mercier (North Smithfield, RI) singled home junior Nicole Peacock (Warwick, RI) in the home half of the third.
JWU was able to answer right back in the fourth as Cynthia Proby homered to left.
Mercier finished the game going 1-for-3 with a RBI for the Radiers while Peacock was a perfect 3-for-3. Freshman Kathryn Mostone (Pelham, NH) also recorded a hit in the loss for Rivier.
Junior Hillary Tarr (North Easton, MA) suffered the loss in the circle as she tossed 7 innings allowing two earned runs (three overall) on seven hits while striking out three.
JWU's Taylor Cwalinski earned the win as she struck out 13 over seven innings allowing just five hits.
Game Two: Johnson & Wales University 7, Rivier University 4 (Final)
A four run fourth gave the Wildcats a lead they would relinquish as they took game two and the double-header sweep in a 7-4 victory.
The Raiders jumped out to a 4-1 lead after two behind the strong hitting of Peacock, junior Kirstie Clark (Brentwood, NH) and freshman Lia Bobek (Hollis, NH). Both Peacock and Bobek had RBI singles but it was Clark who added a two run homer in the first.
Freshman Taylor Miller (Haverhill, MA) took the tough loss as the Raider defense committed seven errors in the game. She tossed all seven innings allowing seven runs (one earned) on seven hits and three strike outs.
JWU's T Garnder would settle down after the second inning and find a groove as she tossed the complete game allowing four runs on eight hits and retiring eleven by way of the K.
Peacock remained perfect as she added another 3-for-3 performance and Bobek ended the game going 2-for-3. Freshman Sahara Brown (Barnstead, NH) and Allyson Nolan (Willington, CT) also added hits while Clark finished 1-for-3 with a HR and 2 RBI.
Next up for the Raiders will be Simmons College on Monday afternoon. The Sharks will invade Raider Diamond for a pair of games beginning at 5:30pm.
