MEDFORD, MA – The Cabrini softball team made its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2004, but it could not overcome No. 17 Rowan in today's opener.
The Cavaliers suffered an 8-1 loss and will face Muhlenberg tomorrow at 2:30pm in the first elimination game of the Medford bracket, hosted by Tufts University.
The Profs grabbed an early lead, plating a solo run in the bottom of the first. Rowan added to its lead with a four spot in the third on just two hits, but drew three walks and scored two runs on a Blue and White error.
A bases loaded walk extended Rowan's lead to 6-0 in the bottom of the fourth, before the Cavaliers got in the board in the fifth.
Sophomore
Ariana Mirenda reached on a two out double and scored on a second consecutive double by classmate
Madison Gugel.
The Cavaliers recorded six hits in the game to just four for the Profs, with Gugel and senior
Kaitlyn Martin recording two each. Unfortunately, Cabrini could not take advantage of its base runners, stranding runners in six of the seven innings and nine overall.
Junior pitcher
Avery Byrnes suffered the loss after allowing three earned runs on three hits over four innings. Freshman
Sammi Sisolak allowed two earned runs in two innings of relief work.
Saturday opponent, Muhlenberg, is also looking to continue its tournament experience after suffering a 4-1 loss to the host, Tufts. The jumbos scored all four of its runs in the bottom of the second and it proved to be too much for the Mules to overcome.
Muhlenberg got its run in the top of the fifth, an unearned run on Cora Bridgers' two out RBI single, one of just four hits for the Mules.
Raya Kunes suffered the loss for Muhlenberg after failing to record an out in the four run second inning and was charged with three earned runs on four hits. Justine Bergara closed the door on the Jumbos, allowing just four hits and a pair of strikeouts over five shutout innings of relief.
The winner of the Cabrini-Muhlenberg game will advance to Saturday's final game at 4:30pm, another elimination contest, where it will face the loser of Game Three between Tufts and Rowan.
