MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Rivier softball team dropped two games on Thursday afternoon at the Space Coast Complex, falling 3-0 to Wisconsin Lutheran in the opener before dropping a 3-0 decision to Marietta in the second game of the day.
With the results, the Raiders fell to 0-8 on the season as their spring training trip in Florida continues.
0 Rivier, 3 Wisconsin Lutheran
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Both teams battled through four scoreless innings as strong pitching and defense kept the game even early on.
- Wisconsin Lutheran broke the scoreless tie in the fifth inning with a solo home run to right field to give the Warriors a 1-0 lead.
- The Warriors added another run in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 2-0.
- Wisconsin Lutheran added an insurance run in the seventh inning on an RBI double to push the advantage to 3-0.
- Rivier was unable to generate offense late as the Warriors closed out the shutout victory.
BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN
- Junior Liv Harnish recorded the Raiders' lone hit of the contest.
- Senior Avry Nelson and sophomore Natalie Benac each reached base via walk for Rivier.
- Junior Hailey Berube tossed a complete game in the circle, allowing three runs on six hits while keeping the Raiders within striking distance throughout the game.
0 Rivier, 3 Marietta
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Rivier threatened early in the first inning when first-year Emma Politz singled and later advanced into scoring position following a sacrifice bunt from junior Hayleigh Silva, but the Raiders were unable to capitalize.
- Marietta broke through in the second inning, capitalizing on an error and powerful hitting, before taking a 2-0 lead.
- The Pioneers continued their offensive push by adding another run in the fourth
- Rivier created scoring opportunities late in the game, including a sixth-inning double by senior Kylee Caetano, but Marietta worked out of the jam to keep the Raiders off the board.
- The Raiders put runners on in the seventh inning but were unable to push a run across as Marietta secured the shutout victory.
BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN
- Caetano led the Raiders offensively with two hits, including a double.
- Politz and junior Sophia Quinlan each added a hit for Rivier.
- Senior Hayley Rapaglia struck out five batters over three innings in the start, while Berube worked three innings of relief.
UP NEXT
The Raiders look to close out their run at the Space Coast Spring Games with their first win of season. The Raiders are slated for two games tomorrow, Saturday March 14. First pitch is at 2:30 p.m.