College Softball
Elon University 4, Rider University 2
Elon University 9, Rider University 1 / 5 innings

ELON, N.C.—The Rider University softball team was swept at Elon University on Tuesday afternoon.

“Elon is definitely the best team we have seen this season,” said head coach Tricia Carroll.

In the opener, Rider (4-6) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a two-out infield single by senior Allysen Breeden (Hagerstown, Md./North Hagerstown) which scored junior Emily Cottrell (Beachwood/Toms River HS South) who led off the inning with a double.

Breeden has 96 hits in her Rider career.

Elon used four hits, including a home run, along with two walks and a Rider error to plate four runs in the bottom of the third inning as the Phoenix rose up for a 4-1 lead.

“The first game went pretty good,” Carroll said.  “Kaitlyn pitched pretty well but not her best.  The walks hurt us.”

The Broncs cut the Elon lead to 4-2 in the top of the fifth inning when freshman Toni Nino (Adelanto, Calif./Silverado) hit a two-out RBI single, scoring fellow rookie Monica Clark (Bryn Mawr, Pa./Archbishop Carroll) who led off the inning with a single and advanced to third on two ground outs.

“Monica has been swinging a hot bat,” Carroll said.

Three of Rider's five hits in the opening game came with two outs.

Rider put runners on second and third after a Phoenix error, balk, fielder's choice and a passed ball in the top of the sixth before Elon induced back to back ground outs to the pitcher to end the inning.

“We had chances,” Carroll said.  “Elon did a good job getting out of the inning, both in the fifth and sixth.”

Sophomore Kaitlyn Kallert (Woodland Park/Passaic Valley) started and went five and two-thirds, allowing four earned runs while recording one strikeout.

The nightcap was all Elon as the Phoenix won 9-1, holding the Broncs to four hits.

“The second game got away from us,” Carroll said.

Trailing 8-0 in the top of the fifth inning, Rider temporarily staved off the eight-run mercy rule on an RBI double by sophomore Megan McDonough (Olney, Md./Sherwood).

“Megan just missed not one but two home runs,” Carroll added.  “Overall I think it is good that we saw this level of play.  The team is positive as we get ready for the tournament this weekend.”

McDonough was the starting pitcher, lasting two innings, while allowing three earned runs.

Rider travels to Virginia for the seven-game Liberty Classic March 22-25.