LAKEWOOD, N.J.- The Caldwell University softball team remained unbeaten in conference play as they swept Georgian Court University in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference doubleheader. Caldwell won the opener 5-3 and completed the sweep with a 7-3 win in the nightcap.
The Cougars improve to 8-10 overall and 4-0 in the CACC, while the Lions fall to 9-12 and 0-2 in conference play.
In the opener, Georgian Court took the lead with a run in the first and added a run in the second inning. Caldwell got on the board in the third inning as they loaded the bases. Senior
Marisa Monasseri (Monroe, N.J.), freshman
Kaileen Cain (Hauppauge, N.Y.) and freshman
Maya Rodriguez (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) each singled to load the bases. Junior
Carly Testa (Sicklerville, N.J.) hit a sacrifice fly to cut the score to 2-1.
The Lions tacked on a run in the third inning but Caldwell rallied with three runs in the fifth. Monasseri drew a leadoff walk, while Rodriguez singled and Testa walked to load the bases. Senior
Katelyn Johnson (Denville, N.J.) walked to force in a run to cut the score to 3-2. Sophomore
Christina Misiur (Sayreville, N.J.) reached on an error as Rodriguez scored to tie the game. Freshman
Anyssia Ramirez (Brentwood, Calif.) reached on a fielder's choice to put the Cougars up 4-3.
Caldwell added a run in the seventh as Misiur doubled in a run to extend the lead to 5-3.
Sophomore
Sara Bearden (Ewing, N.J.) tossed 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits and struck out four to improve to 4-4. Sophomore
Jessie Johnston (Livermore, Calif.) recorded the final two outs to earn her second save of the season.
The Cougars took the lead in the opening inning of game two as Monasseri blasted a solo homerun. Georgian Court tied the game in the second inning as they scored one run.
Caldwell jumped back in front in the third inning as senior
Kiahna Silva (Etiwanda, Calif.) drew a walk and sophomore
Melissa Rini (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) followed with a single. Rodriguez singled to score Silva and put the Cougars ahead 2-1.
The Cougars added two runs in the fourth as Testa led off with a single. Pinch runner freshman
Abbigail Cleckner (Sykesville, Md.) moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on an error. Caldwell went on to load the bases and Monasseri drew a walk to force in a run for a 4-1 lead.
Caldwell added three runs in the sixth as Rini and Monasseri singled with one out. They moved into scoring position on a groundout and scored on a Misiur single. Testa added to the Cougar lead with an RBI single. The Lions added two runs in the sixth but Johnston closed the door to complete the sweep.
Johnston (4-6) tossed a complete game, allowing three runs (one earned) on seven hits.
The Cougars host Bloomfield College in a CACC doubleheader on Tuesday, April 3 at 2:30 pm.
