GLASSBORO, N.J. (5/4/16) – The Kean University softball team dropped a 4-0 decision to No. 1 seed Rowan University in the first game of the double-elimination NJAC Tournament on Wednesday. Kean, the tournament's six-seed, was within one run for most of the game before the Profs struck for three runs in the home half of the sixth.

Kean starter Shannon McMahon (pictured left) pitched valiantly in her complete game effort, and kept the Cougars within striking distance for much of the afternoon. But Prof pitcher Beth Ann Hyland was superb, firing a two-hit complete-game shutout with 11 strikeouts in seven innings.

Gianna Genello had a bases-loaded RBI single in the second inning, but McMahon got All-American Shila Snead to pop up for the second out and pitched out of the jam without further damage. She kept Rowan (33-8) at bay until the Profs scored three runs with two outs in the sixth to give themselves some breathing room.

Emily Sabo had both Cougar hits in the game, including a double in the first inning.

Kean (20-21) will attempt to battle through the loser's bracket when the tournament resumes on Friday. The Cougars will take on the loser of Thursday's Stockton University – Rutgers-Camden matchup. Kean's Friday elimination game will begin at 11 a.m. at host Rowan University.