The Fairleigh Dickinson University softball team split in its final home games of the season, defeating Bryant 6-2 before falling, 4-0, in the second game. The Knights are now 10-36, while the Bulldogs move to 10-28 on the season.
In the first game, the Bulldogs threatened in the top of the fourth with two runners on, but Kirsten Shreve (Kent, WA/Kentwood) (Kentwood, WA), on the mound for the Knights, was able to get a strikeout to end the inning.
The Knights were the first to put a run up as Meghan Doherty (Binghamton, NY/Binghamton)'s (Binghamton, NY) RBI single through the left side plated Lauren Hamilton (Woodinville, WA/Woodinville) (Woodenville, WA). But Bryant responded in the top of the fifth, picking up two runs to take the lead.
FDU took the lead again in the fifth inning, as pinch hitter Alex Schubert (Maybrook, NY) started things off with a single. Brianne Benedict (Alliance, OH/West Branch) (Alliance, OH) put down a sacrifice bunt and Justina Augustine (Geneva, NY/Geneva) (Geneva, NY) drew a walk. Brittany Sheppard (Mahwah, NJ/Paramus Catholic) (Mahwah, NJ), pinch running for Schubert, scored on a fielding error.
Lindsay Glidden (Peachtree City, GA/Starr's Mill) (Peachtree City, GA) singled to center field to plate Augustine. Hamilton's single pushed Shreve across the plate and a two-run single from Ali Keltos (Shelton, CT/Lauralton Hall) (Shelton, CT) scored Kim Carbaugh (Johnstown, PA/Richland) (Johnstown, PA) and Hamilton.
Bryant was able to load the bases in the top of the seventh, but Caitlin Bradac (Garden Grove, CA/Garden Grove) (Garden Grove, CA) earned the save forcing three outs.
Shreve earned the win, allowing no earned runs and striking out one in 5.2 innings. Hamilton and Doherty each finished the game 2-for-3.
In the second game, the Bulldogs scored in the top of the second inning on Laura Bowen's double to left center. They added to their lead with two runs in the sixth and one in the seventh to take the 4-0 win. Augustine led the offense, going 2-for-3.
The Knights were able to collect seven hits, but couldn't convert, leaving six runners on base.
Trina Fields (Norridge, IL/Ridgewood) (Norridge, IL) scattered six hits in 5.2 innings, striking out three and allowing two earned runs. Bradac allowed one earned run in 1.1 innings of relief.
“We did some nice things as far as hitting goes,” said Head Coach Dale Martin. “But unfortunately we ran ourselves of the bases as times, which put us at a disadvantage. We gave extra bases on bobbles and we have to clean that up as we move forward.”
Seniors Meghan Doherty (Binghamton, NY/Binghamton), Jessica Klein (Jersey City, NJ/Holy Family Academy) and Ali Keltos (Shelton, CT/Lauralton Hall) were honored in a ceremony prior to the start of the second game.
FDU is back in action at St. John's on Wednesday, April 29 for a doubleheader starting at 3:00 p.m.
