MONTCLAIR, N.J. - The Hunter College women's softball team was unable to find consistent offensive rhythm on Saturday afternoon, dropping both games of a non-conference doubleheader to Montclair State University.
Game 1: Hunter 0, Montclair 8
Hunter's (2-8) offense got off to a slow start, going hitless through the first three innings while Montclair (8-6) capitalized early. The Red Hawks pushed across runs in each of their first three frames to build a commanding 6-0 lead before Hunter recorded its first hit, a lead-off single by
Grace Basil in the top of the fourth. Any momentum from the base knock was quickly halted, however, as the next three Hawks batters were retired in order.
Hunter mounted its best threat in the fifth inning.
Isabella Thumhart sparked the rally with a lead-off double, and
Madison Drouet followed with a single to put runners on the corners with no outs. The promising opportunity unraveled as the next batter struck out, Drouet was caught stealing at second base, and Thumhart was picked off at third to end the inning.
Montclair seized the shift in momentum, plating two runs in the bottom half of the frame to secure the run-rule victory.
Basil (0-3) went the distance in the circle for the Hawks, allowing six earned runs on 10 hits while striking out two over 4.1 innings.
Game 2: Hunter 1, Montclair 6
Freshman
Abigail Bidinger (1-2) earned the start in the night cap after picking up her first collegiate victory against Sarah Lawrence. Montclair wasted little time getting on the board, scoring in the first inning before adding two runs in both the third and fourth innings to stretch the lead to 5-0.
Hunter broke through in the top of the fifth.
Alejandra Aquino ignited the offense with a single, then swiped second base and eventually came around to score on a Bidinger single through the right side for the Hawks' lone run of the day.
The Red Hawks answered immediately with a run in the bottom of the inning to extend their lead to 6-1, which held as the final score.
Hunter threatened once more in the seventh after Aquino worked a disciplined lead-off walk and Basil followed with a single down the left-field line. Both runners were left stranded as Montclair closed out the sweep.
Bidinger finished with five innings pitched, surrendering five earned runs on six hits while recording three strikeouts. Drouet added a scoreless inning of relief recording a strikeout.
The Hawks return to action on March 23, hosting St. Joseph's Brooklyn for a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Randall's Island Field #12.
