NASHUA, N.H. – The Rivier softball team earned a pair of non-conference victories over Anna Maria on Tuesday evening at home, taking game one 3-1 before erupting for a 9-1 win in game two.
With the sweep, the Raiders improved to 3-9 on the season, while the AMCATS fell to 7-7.
3 Rivier, 1 Anna Maria
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Rivier struck first in the bottom of the first inning as first-year Emma Politz scored on an RBI single from senior Olivia Couto.
- The Raiders held a narrow lead through four innings behind strong pitching and defense.
- In the fifth, Couto delivered again with an RBI double to extend the lead to 2-0.
- Rivier added an insurance run in the sixth inning when junior Liv Harnish doubled home senior Hayley Rapaglia.
- Anna Maria plated its lone run in the seventh, but the Raiders closed it out to secure the win.
BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN
- Couto led the offense with two hits and two RBI.
- Rapaglia added two hits, while Harnish recorded a key RBI double.
- Junior Hailey Berube was dominant in the circle, tossing a complete game with seven strikeouts and allowing just one run on five hits.
9 Rivier, 1 Anna Maria (5 inn.)
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Anna Maria took an early 1-0 lead in the second inning before Rivier quickly responded.
- The Raiders plated two runs in the bottom half of the inning to take control.
- After a scoreless third, Rivier exploded for seven runs in the fourth inning.
- Couto sparked the rally with a two-RBI double, followed by RBI doubles from senior Avry Nelson and Rapaglia.
- Harnish added an RBI single before junior Sophia Quinlan capped the inning with a two-run home run, the first of her collegiate career.
- Rivier shut the door in the fifth to secure the run-rule victory.
BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN
- The Raiders totaled 13 hits in the game.
- Quinlan led the charge with a home run and two RBI.
- Couto went 2-for-3 with two RBI, while senior Kylee Caetano collected three hits.
- Rapaglia earned the win in the circle, allowing just one run over four innings
UP NEXT:
The Raiders host a pair of games at Raider Diamond to open Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play, Saturday, March 28. First pitch is set for 12:30 p.m.