EDWARDSVILLE, Pa. (April 21, 2018) - Freshman Linda Rizzo hurled a five-hit shutout in the second game to help the FDU softball team earn a split against Wilkes Saturday.

The Devils dropped the opener 4-1 before rebounding with a 3-0 win. FDU is now 14-16 and 7-5 within the Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom.

GAME 1: Wilkes 4, FDU-Florham 1
The hard-hitting Colonels stormed out of the gates, pounding out four hits in a two-run first inning. The Devils notched hits in each of the first three innings, but were unable to capitalize and string together runs. The Colonels doubled their lead in the third, as a single with the bases loaded brought in two runs.

FDU had a golden chance to break through in the fourth, as senior Michelle Mangini was hit by a pitch and junior Courtney Rohde walked. A sac bunt moved both runs into scoring position, but a foul out ended the threat. Wilkes loaded the bags up in the fourth, but freshman Abbey Scarengelli ended the frame with a flyout to center.

The Devils finally broke through in the fifth. Freshman Taylor Tobey reached on a fielder's choice with two down before senior Taylor Torre stroked a double into left field, scoring the rookie. Entering the seventh, FDU had one more chance to win the game. Annamarie Santagelo reached on an infield hit while Gabby Young was hit by a pitch. With the tying run at bat, Wilkes got a fly out to right to end the game.

Scarengelli and Rizzo each struck out a hitter, while Rizzo didn't allow a run over two innings of relief.

GAME 2: FDU-Florham 3, Wilkes 0
Young reached on an error leading off game while Torre walked two batters later, with both moving up a base on a wild pitch. They were stranded, as the next two hitters were retired. Rizzo recorded the first four outs before an error and single had runners on first and second. The rookie battled back, getting a fly out and line out to end the inning. 

The Devils did their scoring in fourth, plating three runs. Rohde and Mangini singled before freshman Dani Sames was hit to load up the bases. After an infield fly out, sophomore Tara Morash took advantage of a drawn in outfield, tripling to left. Morash was looking for the ultra-rare inside-the-park grand slam, but was nabbed at home.

Rizzo ran into trouble in the fourth, as a single and a double placed runners on second and third with one out. She bore down, retiring the next two hitters. Rizzo put away the next six hitters before putting two runners on in the seventh. A harmless fly ball was caught Taylor Tobey in center, putting the game away.

The rookie Rizzo went the distance, allowing just five hits and one walk while striking out three.

FDu heads to Centenary tomorrow, with first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m.