NORTHRIDGE, CA – FDU softball (3-7, 0-0) split the opening day of the CSUN Champions Classic on Friday. The Knights took the first game against the hosts CSUN by a score of 4-3, and dropped the second game to Montana by a score of 4-2.
vs. CSUN
The Knights picked up a win over CSUN in a thrilling extra-innings affair. FDU sent
Brooklyn Shroyer out on the mound to kick off the tournament. Shroyer surrendered an early lead, as the Matadors plated a first inning run on an RBI double. FDU quickly responded, as
Mikayla Conklin ripped an RBI double to tie things at one. CSUN battled back, and found themselves with a 2-1 lead after a few base hits. The Matadors would continue to hold that lead all the way until the 7th inning. In the 7th, FDU was down to their final two outs, but were able to put a few runners on base. Drama began to ensue. The Knights plated two runs on a throwing error by CSUN's catcher, finding themselves with a 3-2 lead heading to the bottom of the 7th. With Shroyer still in the circle, the Knights found themselves just one out away from securing a win. However, with their backs against the wall, CSUN plated a game-tying run on a clutch single from Jerzie Liana. Liana drove in all three runs for the Matadors. Shroyer was able to escape the seventh, stranding the potential winning run on base. The Knights and Matadors went into extra innings still battling. In the top of the ninth,
Erika Barela came up to the place and laced a clutch double, scoring
Sydney Newton. The Knights turned the ball back to Shroyer for the ninth, who shut down the Matadors to give the Knights the win.
vs. Montana
FDU dropped the second game of the day to Montana by a score of 4-2. The Grizzlies jumped out to a big lead, going ahead 4-0 against FDU starter
Julia Swan. The Knights showed some fight in the sixth inning. With two outs, FDU loaded the bases Jordan Hemingway drove in a run on an RBI single, and was followed by
Angela Costa working a bases loaded walk to force a run in. The Knights would leave the bases stranded, however, as
Ayden Stone flew out to center field to end the inning. In the seventh,
Madison Rishel laced a single to put the tying run at the place in the form of
Isabella Herring. Herring would fly out to left field, and Rishel was doubled up at first base to end the game.
The Knights will be back in action on March 1 for day two of the CSUN Champions Classic. FDU will face CSUN at 12:00 p.m. eastern time, and Montana at 2:00 p.m. eastern time.
Connect with FDU softball on Twitter and Instagram, @FDUKnightsSB.
Kai-Zen Fitness is the presenting sponsor for the 2025 FDU Softball season.
