Softball Edges TCNJ, 1-0

Providence, R.I. (5/15/10) – Rookie Courtney Melchionna drove in the game's only run as #3 Kean University staved off elimination by defeating #1 The College of New Jersey, 1-0, Saturday morning in the NCAA Regional Tournament.

The Cougars (30-16) will now face #5 Neumann University at 4 p.m.  The College of New Jersey will face Wesleyan at 2 p.m.

Kean scratched across the only run in the fourth frame as Melchionna (pictured right) hit a two-out double to bring home Katie Yard who reached on a fielders choice. 

Senior starter Cassie Shotwell rebounded nicely to earn her 17th (17-8) win. The Lions had seven hits and stranded 11 baserunners in the loss. TCNJ senior pitcher Ashley Minervini took the loss (16-7), allowing one run on five hits to go along with five strikeouts.

TCNJ had the potential game-tying run twice and each time the runner was gunned down at the plate.  The Lions had runners on second and third three times, but could not push across a run. Junior designated player Caitlyn Seamster was thrown out by freshman leftfielder Katie Schuh with two down in the second while trying to score from second on sophomore Crystal Lee's single to left field. Freshman pinch runner Michelle Casale was thrown out by Melchionna at the plate in the sixth while trying to score the tying run in the sixth.

The win is the first for the program in regional action since 1995.  This is also the first time in six NCAA postseason games that Kean has defeated The College of New Jersey, then Trenton State.