The New Jersey City University softball team lost both games of a non-conference doubleheader against Centenary University on April 20 at the Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex. The Gothic Knights were defeated by scores of 7-5 and 10-7.
The games matter for both teams as they look to build momentum in the final stretch of their seasons. NJCU, now with a record of 4-26 after the two losses, continues to search for wins while developing players and gaining experience.
In the first game, NJCU recorded ten hits but could not overcome four defensive errors that contributed to Centenary’s seven runs. Maggie Martin led NJCU with three hits in four plate appearances, while Danika Borza and Arianna Figueroa each added two hits. Borza also struck out five batters during her time pitching but took the loss. Centenary was able to capitalize on NJCU’s mistakes early, scoring three runs in the first inning following an error and adding another run via wild pitch in the second inning.
NJCU responded with three runs of their own in the bottom of the second inning and tied up the game again in the fifth when Shannon McGuire grounded out but drove home Borza. However, Centenary pulled ahead over the last two innings and secured a win by holding off a late push from NJCU.
In game two, Borza again led offensively for NJCU with three hits and an RBI, while Jennie Carmona contributed two RBIs on one hit. The Gothic Knights jumped out to a strong start with five runs in their half of the first inning thanks to extra-base hits from Emma Hanlon and Carmona. Despite this lead, Centenary rallied back by scoring five runs across two innings to tie things up before ultimately pulling ahead late for another victory.
As both teams move forward from this matchup, they will continue competing as their respective seasons progress.
