NEWARK, NJ-

Rutgers-Newark battled its way to a hard-fought 8–7 victory over St. Joseph's (L.I.) in a back-and-forth contest that featured timely hitting and late-game execution. The Scarlet Raiders showed resilience throughout, responding to multiple scoring threats from the Golden Eagles and keeping the game within reach.       

Rutgers-Newark capitalized on key opportunities at the plate. Clutch hits from Janiyah Smith, who had three RBIs, and Destiny Maury, who knocked in another two. Kayla Cardozo crossed the plate twice and went 3-4 in the game. After trading runs across the middle innings, the Scarlet Raiders delivered when it mattered most, pushing across the go-ahead run late to secure the narrow advantage. 

Game two had a similar fight, but the Raiders came out on top 4-3. After a quiet start from both sides, Rutgers-Newark broke through in the third inning to grab an early lead. The game remained tight into the later innings, with strong pitching performances keeping offenses in check. St. Joseph's (L.I.) responded with two runs in the sixth and another in the seventh to briefly take a 3-1 advantage. The Scarlet Raiders answered immediately. Rutgers-Newark plated two runs in the bottom of the sixth to even the score, highlighted by a clutch two-RBI effort from Janiyah Smith.     

The momentum carried into the seventh, where the home team pushed across the decisive run to complete the comeback. Rutgers-Newark totaled four hits on the day, with contributions from Mariah Rimas-McManus, Keelin O'Brien, Smith, and Ellery Mahony. Smith led the way with two RBI. In the circle, Mia Aquino delivered a strong start, tossing 6.2 innings while allowing just two earned runs and keeping the Scarlet Raiders within striking distance.

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