Softball Bested by New England College 5-2

CLERMONT, FLA.- The Juniata softball team played it second game of the day with an afternoon contest against New England College. Unlike Sunday's game when the two teams combined for 24 runs, this time it was much lower scoring as the Pilgrims won 5-2.

New England scored four times in the bottom of the second to take a 4-0 lead. With the bases loaded, Eagles starting pitcher Raeleigh Redden (Clearfield, Pa./Clearfield) gave up a two-run single to New England's Rachel Kerrigan. After the second out was recorded, Taylor Gill scored on a passed ball. Brianna Castellano then singled to center field to score Kerrigan for the 4-0 lead.

Juniata answered in the top of the fourth. On a 3-2 pitch, Allie Baney (State College, Pa./State College) hit a ball over the fence in left field to put the Eagles on the board. Kerrigan Ammerman (Alexandria, Pa./Juniata Valley) followed her with a single. Abby Ebright (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin East) reached on a fielder's choice and Ammerman was out at second. Alicia Regnault (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater Raritan) then legged out a double to move runners into scoring position. Jennifer Carthew (New Paris, Pa./Chestnut-Ridge) singled to right field to score Ebright but was thrown out at second on the advancement.

The Pilgrims tacked on a run in their portion of the fourth. The Eagles could not get any more offense going as they could only get a runner to second in fifth inning and not any further.

Redden lasted three innings and gave up four hits, four runs (three earned), and three walks. Rachael Bernier (Bellefonte, Pa./Bellefonte Area) was impressive in relief as she went three innings and surrendered one earned run while striking out four.

Carthew finished 2-for-3 with a double and one run batted in. Baney's homerun was the team's first of the season.

The Eagles have a pair of games tomorrow. Juniata plays St. Elizabeth at 3:30 p.m. followed by Muhlenberg at 6:00 p.m.