Montclair, NJ | Building off of their New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) split against William Paterson, the Scarlet Raiders used a late rally to topple Montclair State University in game one, 11-8, before falling in game two, 10-3. The win was just the second in the program's history over the Red Hawks, moving their all-time record to 2-40.

Game 1: Rutgers-Newark 11, Montclair State 8

Sam Morton was unstoppable in the opening game, going 4-for-5 with an RBI while Samantha Hoffman led the team with two RBI as she went 2-for-5 from the plate. Sarah Stiehler also finished 2-for-5 and was able to cross home a team-leading three times.

Michelle Capizzano got the start in the circle for the Scarlet Raiders and wound up finishing the game with a save after Paige Masiello (3-4) came in to pitch two innings to help her team take the lead. Masiello allowed five hits and two runs on 36 pitches while Capizzano allowed six runs on seven hits with 105 pitches.

Rutgers-Newark (9-13, 2-2 NJAC) looked to be in full control of the game after taking a 3-0 lead after four and a half innings of play. Montclair State University's (19-5, 2-2 NJAC) bats suddenly became hot as they would go on to score six runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a three-run lead. Kaylee Powers put the first pair of runs on the board for the home team with a two-RBI single up the middle followed by an RBI double by Blake Saperstein. 

The Scarlet Raiders were held scoreless in the sixth before exploding for eight runs in the top of the seventh. Morton led off the inning with a single through the left side followed by a single by Riley Scuralli. Brianna Hernandez battled off a full count to earn a walk to load the bases with no outs. Hoffman wasted no time and put the first pitch she saw into play and reached on a fielder's choice. 

Errors began to plague the Red Hawks in the seventh inning as Jaclyn Arute reached on an error by the shortstop to once again load the bases. Brielle Mattiello singled up the middle to bring home another run for her squad. Jackie Lara didn't have to wait long to reach base as she was hit by the third pitch thrown her way to bring in a run. Stiehler crushed one to the center fielder and benefitted from another error which allowed three runs to come home. Stiehler was able to reach home via a wild pitch to cap off an explosive inning for the Scarlet Raiders.

Montclair looked to tie the game back up to send it to extra innings but their offense stalled at eight runs as the Scarlet Raiders picked up a big NJAC win.

Game 2: Montclair State 10, Rutgers-Newark 3

Lara (4-3) got the nod in game two to enter the circle and would finish with a pair of strikeouts while allowing seven runs on eight hits.  Masiello came in relief and allowed three runs on six hits while striking out one. 

Julie Contravo went 2-for-3 in the second game with an RBI while both Mattiello and Scuralli also picked up an RBI.

Montclair refused to be swept on their home field and came out strong scoring 2+ runs in the opening three innings. Rutgers-Newark looked to carry the momentum they ended the first game with into the second one but were unable to match the firepower of the Red Hawks in game two. The Scarlet Raiders scored their three runs scattered across the second and third inning and were held scoreless for the rest of the game.

The Red Hawks used small ball to get the job done in the second game, scattering 14 hits to score 10 runs.  Both teams played a clean game in the field as neither team committed an error.

The Scarlet Raiders return to action on Thursday, April 4 where they will travel to Purchase, NY to take on Manhattanville College at 3:00 pm.