NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The Rivier softball team earned a statement victory on Saturday morning, taking down top-seeded Albertus Magnus, 3-2, at the Shea Softball Complex in winners-bracket action of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) South Pod.
With the win, the Raiders improved to 17-21 overall and advanced further in postseason play, while the Falcons slipped to 22-17.
Rivier 3, Albertus Magnus 2
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Rivier struck early in the first inning, as senior Avry Nelson led off with a single and later scored alongside senior Kylee Caetano on a two-RBI single from junior Liv Harnish to give the Raiders a 2-0 lead.
- The Raiders added an insurance run in the fourth, when senior Hayley Rapaglia doubled and came around to score on an RBI double from junior Sophia Quinlan, extending the lead to 3-0.
- Albertus Magnus was held scoreless through the first five innings behind strong pitching from junior Hailey Berube.
- The Falcons broke through in the sixth, stringing together three hits, highlighted by a two-RBI single to cut the deficit to 3-2.
- Junior Hayleigh Silva entered in relief during the sixth and worked out of the jam, stranding the tying run.
- In the seventh, Silva closed the door, retiring the side to secure the victory for the Raiders.
BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN
- Harnish led the offense, going 2-for-3 with two RBI.
- First-year Emma Politz added two hits, including a double, finishing 2-for-4 at the plate.
- Quinlan contributed an RBI double, while Rapaglia also recorded a double and scored a run.
- The Raiders totaled eight hits in the contest
- Berube earned the win in the circle, tossing 5.2 innings and allowing just two runs while striking out four.
- Silva picked up the save, recording the final four outs to preserve the victory.
UP NEXT
The Raiders will remain in the GNAC South Pod winners bracket and await their next opponent as they continue their postseason run, Sunday May 3, at 10:00 a.m. in the Pod Finals.
