The Fairleigh Dickinson University softball team wrapped up competition at the Rebel Spring Games, defeating Iona, 4-1, after falling to Cornell, 9-3, in Kissimmee, FL on Friday, March 21.
Cornell capitalized on some Fairleigh Dickinson errors and was able to take a 3-0 lead. “We made some errors right off the bat to give them the lead,” said Head Coach Dale Martin.
The Knights were able to come back and tie up the game in the sixth inning on a string of doubles. Kim Carbaugh (Johnstown, PA/Richland) drew a two-out walk and a double from Lindsay Glidden (Peachtree City, GA/Starr's Mill) pushed her across the plate. Hope Hilman (Bremerton, WA/Olympic) doubled to right center, scoring pinch runner Jennifer Boldman (Winter Haven, FL/Winter Haven). Brittany Sheppard (Mahwah, NJ/Paramus Catholic) smacked a double to plate Hilman and tie up the game.
“After the first couple of innings we played relatively well,” said Martin. “We started getting ourselves together had some timely hitting along with some good pinch hitting. We went through the eighth inning and had our opportunities to win the game, but their pitchers were able to pitch out of it.”
“We weren't able to close the door when we needed to and that led to giving up a big inning.” A six-run ninth inning gave Cornell the extra-inning win.
Ashley Buchanan (West Windsor, NY/West Windsor) struck out four, pitching a complete game for the Knights. Glidden, Hilman and Maria Finnegan (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township) were each 2-for-4.
In the second game of the day, the Knights defeated Iona, 4-1.
The Knights started the game off with a run in the top of the first and added a pair in the top of the second. Iona was able to get on the board in the bottom of the third inning, but FDU sealed the win with a run in the fourth.
Trina Fields (Norridge, IL/Ridgewood) picked up her third win of the season, pitching a complete game. She struck out six, scattering five hits and allowing no earned runs. Carbaugh was 2-for-4 with two RBI.
“I thought the team did a nice job bouncing back after the extra-inning loss,” said Martin. “We opened the game scoring in the first inning, showing some resiliency. Weshowed a lot of heart just sticking to it and being able to win the game.”
The Knights are back in action against St. Joseph's in Philadelphia, PA on Thursday, March 27 in a doubleheader starting at 3:00 p.m.
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