Madison, NJ (April 17) – In a non-conference doubleheader against the Neumann University Knights (11-21, 2-6 Atlantic East), the FDU-Florham Softball team (13-13, 2-5 MAC Freedom) saw Kristen Tigar (Hazlet, NJ) collect her 100^th career hit, but the Devils dropped game one by a score of 14-8, and shutout the Knights in game two by a score of 12-0 in five innings.


Game 1:

The bats were warm in the first inning for both teams as Neumann was able to the first four runs of the game. A double to right field brought in 2 RBI, while another two singles recorded the Knights' third and fourth run.
 
Leading off for the Devils was Tigar as she started the offensive momentum with a base hit down the left field line for her 100^th career hit. Batting in FDU-Florham's first runs was Kacie Centineo (Waldwick, NJ) as she sent the ball up the middle to bring two of her teammates home. Sophomore Victoria Fantozzi (Hillsborough, NJ) ended the inning with another two runs for the Devils to tie the score at 4-4.
 
Neumann kept its momentum going in the second innings with another four runs, while FDU-Florham was only able to bring in 2 RBI again from Centineo, to close the scoring gap, 8-6.
 
The Knights still had the momentum they needed heading into the top of the third inning as they were able to extend the scoring differential to four runs.
 
In the fifth inning, Jada Lambright (Clifton Park, NY) found a spot down the left field line to help close the scoring gap within two runs, 10-8. The Devils effort in the bottom of the fifth was unfortunately not enough as Neumann's offense exploded in the top of the sixth inning for another four runs. This allowed them to take control of the game for the final inning and ultimately helped them secure the 14-8 win in game one.
 
Pitching five innings in game one for the Devils was Bianca DiSanto (Colonia, NJ) (1-2) as she received the loss, but not without throwing one strikeout on 30 batters. Recording in the win for Neumann was Sydney Wright (3-3) as she was seen through five innings and collected two strikeouts while facing 27 batters.

 
Game 2:
 
FDU-Florham started an offensive run within the very first pitches of game two as their first run was brought in with a double to left center from Abigail Rodriguez (Woodbridge, NJ). Senior Heather Priante (Howell, NJ) set the tone for the rest of the game as she sent the ball over the left field fence a 2 RBI home run.
 
The Devils found another run in the second inning, this time coming from Tigar as she was able to collect the RBI before grounding out to the second baseman.
 
The third inning proved to be FDU-Florham's true offensive showing as DiSanto started the inning with a 3 RBI double to left center field. Fantozzi followed with an RBI of her own to have the scoreboard read 8-0. Soon after, first-year Kylee Berg (Bordentown, NJ) sent the ball to right field for the Devils' ninth run. Another two runs were added after a single up the middle from Centineo and Rodriguez capped the third inning with a triple down the right-field line for FDU-Florham's final run of the day.
 
FDU-Florham's defense took control of the remainder of the game as they were able to hold Neumann off for a 12-0 shutout in a five-inning mercy rule.
 
Collecting her first career shutout and helping the Devils' secure the win was first-year Kelly Cornog (Newtown Square, PA) (9-7) as she pitched all five innings and recorded five strikeouts while facing 20 batters, on 72 pitches.  
 

FDU-Florham will take a business trip to Stevens on Saturday, April 20 for a MAC Freedom doubleheader. The first pitches will be thrown out at 1pm and 3pm.  

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