MADISON, N.J. – Rutgers-Newark softball dropped both ends of a non-conference doubleheader against Drew on Thursday afternoon, falling 2-1 in game one before a 5-3 decision in the nightcap.

In the opener, both teams were kept off the scoreboard until the fifth inning when the offenses finally broke through. For the Scarlet Raiders, Maddy Haack came around to score following a Drew fielding error to give Rutgers-Newark a brief lead. However, Drew responded and eventually pushed across the deciding run in the seventh inning, capitalizing on a Rutgers-Newark throwing error to secure the 2-1 win. Michaela Hobson delivered a strong effort in the circle, keeping the game within reach throughout, but the Scarlet Raiders were unable to overcome the late miscue.

In game two, Rutgers-Newark struck early with a pair of runs in the opening innings to take control, but Drew answered with five unanswered runs to flip the momentum. The Scarlet Raiders managed to get back on the board in the seventh inning, trimming the deficit, but the comeback effort fell short as Drew completed the sweep with a 5-3 victory. Dana Rene led the offense with a perfect 3-for-3 performance and an RBI, while Mariah Rimas-McManus added two hits, including a double, and an RBI in the loss.

The Scarlet Raiders will jump into NJAC play as they travel to face off against TCNJ this Saturday.

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