The Fairleigh Dickinson University softball team defeated intrastate rival Monmouth, 2-1, before falling, 4-0, in the second game of a Northeast Conference doubleheader on Saturday afternoon.  

The Knights are now 9-29 overall, with a 4-10 mark in league action.

Monmouth picked up a run in the fourth inning but the Knights responded in the top of the fifth to tie the game, 1-1. After Brianne Benedict (Alliance, OH/West Branch) was hit by a pitch, Justina Augustine (Geneva, NY/Geneva) singled to the right side. With two outs, Caitlin Bradac (Garden Grove, CA/Garden Grove) helped out her own cause with a double to right field to plate Benedict.

With two outs in the top of the seventh, Augustine drew a walk and Lauren Hamilton (Woodinville, WA/Woodinville) was hit by a pitch. Bradac hit what would become the game-winning RBI single to center field for the Knights to earn the 2-1 victory.

Bradac scattered seven hits and walked none, while striking out four for the win.  Augustine was 2-for-3, while Bradac was 2-for-4 with two RBI.

The Hawks scored early in the next game, scoring in the first and twice in the third for a 3-0 advantage. Monmouth added another run in the bottom of the sixth inning to seal the 4-0 win.

Kirsten Shreve (Kent, WA/Kentwood) pitched six innings for FDU, allowing two earned runs and striking out four. Lindsay Glidden (Peachtree City, GA/Starr's Mill) collected the Knights only hit of the game, going 1-for-3.

FDU is back in action when they compete at Mount St. Mary's on Sunday, April 19.