BOX SCORE 1 | BOX SCORE 2 Newark, NJ- Hunter softball traveled out ro Fredrick Douglas field in Newark, New Jersey for a non conference double header against Rutgers-Newark.  The Hawks split dropping game 1 7-0 and winning game 2 8-3.

In game #1 Hunter had 5 baserunners, non of which were able to cross home plate as the host school was able to outhit and outscore Hunter in game 1.  Paige Witalec continued her hot hitting season going 2-4 in the first game.  Alyssa Curiale started in the circle for the Hawks and was charged with the loss after giving up 4 earned runs in the 3 innings she pitched.  

In game #2 Hunter took the lead in the top of the second inning.  Lead Dillon hit a single with one out, Brianna Musco and Jessica Fowler each picked up a base hit to move Dillon over to third and then driving her home. Sophia perez kept the rally going with a basehit up the middle and loading the bases for Witalec.  The sophomore shortstop came thru again with a single to left field driving in two runners to give Hunter a 3-0 lead.  In the bottom of the third Newark tied the game up with 3 singles an error and a double to start the top of the 4th 3-3.

Hunter responded in top of the 4th with 5 runs to take a 8-3 lead, Jessica Fowler led the inning off with a single.  Sophia Perez reached on a fielders choice and then stole second, Witalec again singled and advanced on a wild pitch. Perez scored on a single from Olivia Palumbo.  Witalec and Nicole Bowe scored when Freshman Catcher Adriana Ramirez drove them in with a base hit to right field.  Dillon had a bunt single that drove in Palumbo, and allowed pinch runner Kierra Shaw to advance to third.  Brianna Musco drove in Shaw on a ground out to second base to give Hunter an 8-3 lead they would never give up.

Leah Dillon pitched 7 innings innings spreading out 7 hits, allowing 2 earned runs, and booked 5 strikeouts for the win.

Hunter travels to Purchase for another non-conference double header on Wednesday for a 3pm first pitch.