HACKENSACK, N.J. – FDU softball (22-20, 12-5) split a Friday afternoon doubleheader with Le Moyne (12-24, 4-10). The Knights took game one by a score of 8-0 in five innings, before dropping game two 7-1.
Game One
The Knights sent their ace
Brooklyn Shroyer out to the circle to start the weekend against the Dolphins. Shroyer delivered a masterpiece for the Knights, hurling a complete game shutout, and allowing just two hits to the Dolphins in the win. The San Dimas, CA native also struck out nine and walked just two. Shroyer's dominance in the circle was helped out by a great day from the offense. The Knights picked up nine hits, and scored all eight of their runs in the final two innings. FDU broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning when
Rebecca Merkes smashed an RBI double into the gap. Merkes' extra base hit sparked a short rally for the Knights.
Angela Costa followed with an RBI single, and then Merkes came around to score on a fielder's choice. The Knights carried a 3-0 lead into the bottom of the fifth, where they would break the game open. The Knights poured in a five-spot in the fifth inning, including four straight bases-loaded walks. FDU grew the lead to 8-0, enacting the run rule and giving them a big win. Six different Knights drove in runs in the win.
Brianna Holguin led the way for the Knights, going 2-3 with 2 RBIs, including the game-winning RBI walk in the fifth.
Game Two
The Knights looked to keep things rolling in the second match-up of the day. Le Moyne's bats woke up quick after the game one shutout, as they jumped on
Julia Swan with a two-run single by Arianna Exarchaki in the first. FDU was able to bear down after the early deficit, and closed the gap slightly in the fourth, when
Erika Barela hit a sacrifice fly. It would remain a 2-1 ballgame into the sixth inning, when Le Moyne began to open up the offense. Le Moyne dinked and dunked their way to a big rally, starting off the inning with four straight singles up the middle. The Dolphins were able to chase Swan from the game, plating four runs in the top half of the inning to take a commanding lead. Le Moyne added one more insurance run in the seventh to make it a 7-1 game, the final in game two. Despite the loss,
Madison Rishel continued to rake at the top of the lineup for head coach
Chris Foye. Rishel went 3-4 in the second game of the doubleheader, improving her batting average to a team-best .406.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Knights and Dolphins will face off for the rubber match of the series on Saturday afternoon. The Knights will host the Dolphins at 12:00 p.m. in Hackensack. It will be a packed house, as FDU will be celebrating Senior Day, as well as Little League Day. Coverage will be available on NEC Front Row.
Connect with FDU softball on Twitter and Instagram, @FDUKnightsSB.
Kai-Zen Fitness is the presenting sponsor for the 2025 FDU Softball season.
